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HISTORY 



-i 



WYOMINa, 



IN A SERIES OF LET TEES, 



CHARLES MINER, 



TO HIS SON 



WILLIAM PENN MINER, ESQ, 



" Diligence and acturacy are the only meri-is w'aicli a Historical writer may ascribe to himself." 
! liave carefully exanilned all the original materials that could illustrate the subject I had undertaken to treat.; 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED BY J. CRISSY, No. 4 MINOR STREET. 

1845. 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by 

Charles Miner, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



/ ^ 1 5 3 / 



\ 



INTRODUCTION. 



The History of Wyoming remains to be written. Tlie book of Mr. 
Chapman is certainly valuable, so far as it extends. A man of talents, 
research and industry ; — had his life been prolonged, he would have 
produced a work worthy of the subject, and his own fame- Cut off 
in mid-life, his manuscript was the first rude essay — the mere out- 
line of what he must have intended to accomplish. The eagerness 
with which the volume was sought after and read, shows the lively 
interest which the public mind possesses in respect to the subject. 

Col. Stone's popular book, " The Poetry and History of Wyoming," 
deserves commendation. His polished pen has thrown a charm 
around the narrative, easier to admire than imitate. But the fact 
that he was obliged to reprint Campbell's Gertrude, with Irving's 
Biography of the Author, shows that, in his view, the materials of 
interest relating to the subject were either too few, or too remotely 
accessible, to form the ground-work for a respectable volume. Most 
of the more striking facts, and many of the more touching personal 
incidents, he has wrought up with a master hand, and given with 
all the sparkling raciness which genius imparts to an interesting 
subject. 

I came to Pennsylvania in 1799, a settler under the Connecticut 
claim. The grounds of that claim, connected as they were with the 
early hopes of the writer, were then examined with care. Editor of 
a Paper, at Wilkesbarre, for thirteen years, including the period of 
the sharp conflicts under the Intrusion Law, the claim of Connecti- 
cut was discussed — the services and sufferings of the early settlers 
were inquired into, until the whole subject became one of absorbing 
concern, interwoven with the most interesting associations of my life. 
When Judge Marshall published his first edition of the Life of 
Washington, I took the liberty of writing to him, stating that the 



iv INTRODUCTION. 

account of the Wyoming Massacre was exceedingly erroneous, and 
gave him a version of the affair, derived from the best sources. I 
beg leave to remark, that no important subject was ever before in- 
volved in such embarrassing contradictions. The reason I take it is 
this : On the invasion by Butler and his Indians, most of the leading 
men were slain, and the rest of the inhabitants scattered in the 
wildest state of alarm. Rumour brought to every flying group a 
tale of seven-fold horror, and these, repeated by the fugitives, where- 
ever they fled, were told and received as historic truth. Hence the 
exaggerated account published at Poughkeepsie a few weeks after 
the massacre, which was, without doubt, the ground-work, probably 
the sole authority, of Gordon and Ramsay, as they were the sources 
from which Marshall derived materials for his first edition. Black 
with cruelty, and crimsoned with blood, sufficient to harrow up the 
soul with horror, is the simple narrative, attested by truth, which 
displays the ferocity of demons — the malignity of fiends. The false 
account was immeasurably worse. It may excite inquiry, Why the 
oft published error was not earlier corrected ? It is obvious that the 
false statement which took its published form at Poughkeepsie, and 
was thence circulated, not only in the United Colonies, but throughout 
every Nation in Europe, was calculated to arouse the most powerful 
emotions of the human soul — pity for American suffering — detestation 
of blackest perfidy — and horror at unheard of cruelty on the part of 
Great Britain and her Savage allies: and hence to strengthen our 
cause, by bringing popular sentiment to bear in our favour both at 
home and abroad. 

With motives so powerful to allow the published story to run its 
course, it may be doubted even if the truth was known whether any 
American would at the time have felt it his duty to hunt up the evi- 
dence, and publish a new version of the matter. After the war, 
Wyoming was, from her remote, reduced and harrassed state, too 
much engaged in more immediately pressing concerns, to leave her 
people free to study her early annals, and correct the errors of the 
Historian. 

In 1832 I returned to Wyoming from Chester County, where I had 
resided fifteen years, and commenced farming. Much excluded by 
local position from society, I sought relaxation from labour, with 
more than usual pleasure, in my books. Four volumes of the Jour- 
nal of Congress, during the Revolution, were upon the shelf, present- 
ing in their details slight attraction, as I had thought, and of little 
use, except for occasional reference : but the leisure now aflforded led 



INTRODUCTION. V 

me to examine them with more care, and I presently found, scattered 
through a mass of interesting matter, much that related to Wyoming. 
Communicating some facts which I had discovered, that seemed of 
particular interest, Gen. William Ross mentioned to me, that a bound 
volume containing the old Westmoreland Records was in the posses- 
sion of a person in the Borough, who had used the blank leaves. A 
treasure to the antiquarian of themselves, they came to me with the 
increased charm that their contents harmonized with early and 
cherished studies. Every page opened new views to me. Light 
broke in upon the deep gloom that had heretofore, in an especial 
manner, enshrouded the Civil History of Wyoming. From the facts 
obtained in these precious records, and those elicited by the perusal 
of the Journals of Congress, I formed the conclusion that the old 
sufferers had endured grievous and unredressed wrongs, from their 
own Country as well as from the Briton and Savage. Two or three 
numbers, setting forth, though very imperfectly, the grounds of their 
claim to redress, I published in the Wilkesbarre papers, when 
Chester Butler, Esq., in whose prudence and judgment I had, and 
have, the utmost confidence, came to me, and said, " Mr. Miner, the 
ease you are stating seems to me a very strong one, indeed almost 
irresistible;" and he immediately, with the greatest kindness, offered 
me the use of the papers of Col. Zebulon Butler, his grandfather. 
Mr. Anderson Dana also placed in my hands some very interesting 
papers belonging to his father. Thus excited and cheered, I resolved 
to lose not a moment in obtaining all the facts which obliterating 
time, and relentless death had spared, relating to the History of 
Wyoming. To this end I folded up little books of blank paper, for 
convenient carriage, took pens and ink, and accompanied by my 
daughter Sarah, (who though blind is, I think it not inappropriate here 
to say, besides being a most cheerful and agreeable companion, quick 
to hear, ready to understand, sound to judge, retentive of memory, 
and like myself, deeply interested in the subject,) we visited thirty 
or forty of the ancient people, who were here at the time of the ex- 
pulsion. "We have come to inquire about old Wyoming, pray tell 
us all you know. We wish an exact picture, such as the valley pre- 
sented sixty odd years ago. Give us the lights and shadows, its 
joys and its sorrows." In every instance we were treated with 
courtesy and kindness — communications, full and free, were made, 
not only with patience, but cheerfulness. This is said, as many of 
the statements, being combined of matters within the personal 
knowledge of the one examined, and things learned from others, our 



vi INTRODUCTION. 

inquiries were often almost tediously minute. At night on return- 
ing home, I read over to Sarah what I had taken down, and care- 
fully corrected any error into which the pen had fallen. If in ex- 
amining several persons I found a material fact stated differently, 
they were revisited, the subject considered again, and new sources 
of information sought until we were satisfied of having arrived at a 
correct conclusion. This particular care was the more necessary, 
since, from the cause stated, multitudinous errors prevailed in res- 
pect to numerous details, in the minds of many intelligent persons. 

With a view at once to communicate and elicit information, I 
made from time to time, publications of what w^e had learned, un- 
der the name of the '' Hazelton Travellers.'' The title pre-supposed 
that two gentlemen were traveling from Hazelton through Wyoming. 
One, perfectly acquainted with the valley, its people and history, 
the other, eager to learn every thing that concerned them. The com- 
munications of one to the other in their passing conversation con- 
stituted these numbers which have excited so much public attention, 
and have been liberally used by Col. Stone in his recent w^ork. I 
wish here distinctly to say, that the censure cast upon Col. Stone 
for making use of those materials, because he was aware that I was 
collecting the facts for my intended history, w'as wholly unmerited 
on his part. They were before the world in a newspaper — this 
would have been sufficient. But moreover, that gentleman had my 
most full and unreserved assent to his using them at his pleasure. 

Interesting as are the incidents growing out of the Revolutionary 
war, other matters of scarcely less moment will claim the retder's 
attention. For nine years Wyoming, or Westmoreland, was under 
the jurisdiction of Connecticut — derived its laws from that State — 
and sent Representatives to her Assembly. 

For seven years, Civil war prevailed or raged, between Wyoming 
and Pennsylvania. The events attendant on those unhappy conflicts 
demand from the historic pen a faithful record. 

I have chosen to give the subject the form of fiirailiar letters to 
my son, because, besides being indebted to him for aid and many 
valuable suggestions, it must be obvious that a variety of minute 
details necessary to be preserved to present a perfect picture of life, 
manners and events, among a plain people, in a new and rude settle- 
ment, requires an easier style and freer scope of pencil, than 
might be deemed fitting to the grave Delineator of the fate of Na- 
tions, or to the Historian vi'ho records the revolutions, the rise and 
the fall of Empires. 



INTRODUCTION. vii 

Thanks are in the first place due to the Hon. Edward Everett, 
cur minister at the Court of St. James: With characteristic kindness, 
on my soliciting his good offices, he applied to Lord Aberdeen, who 
gave directions that access should be had to such documents in the 
Slate paper office as might with propriety be copied : whereupon 
Col. J. R. Brodhead voluntarily took upon himself the trouble of 
making the necessary searches, and of transcribing whatever related 
to Wyoming. I feel very sensibly my indebtedness to Col. Brod- 
head, and acknowledge it with pleasure. 

The Hon. John N. Conyngham with partial kindness has inquired 
for and obtained for me, while in the northern portion of his circuit, 
various facts, from old settlers, w^hom I could not conveniently see, 
and more especially several ancient manuscripts of much value. 

Senator Kidder and Mr. Speaker Wright, for their attention and 
politeness in obtaining, by vote of the Assembly, the ancient Susque- 
hanna Company's Records, are desired to accept my most respect- 
ful thanks. 

Wm. S. Derrick, Esq., in the State department, lYashington, res- 
ponded v/ith his accustomed kindness to my inquiries, and furnished 
me the ancient map, and other valuable papers. 

Among the persons visited, and to whom I am indebted for infor- 
mation, are Samuel Carey,* Mrs. Carey, Thomas Williams, Cor- 
nelius Courtright, Esq., Mrs. Cooper, Stephen Abbott, Anderson 
Dana, Rufus Bennett,* Mrs. Bennett, Elisha Elackman,* Elcazer 
Blackman, Mrs. Blackman, Nathan Beach, Esq., Alexander Jameson, 
Esq., Mrs. Jenkins, and several members of her family, Mrs. Myers, 
Rev. Mr. Bidlack, Mrs. Bidlack, Col. John Butler, George M. Hollen- 
back, Joseph Slocum, Col. G. P. Ransom, Jose Rogers, Col. Benjamin 
Dorrance, Col. Edward Inman, Samuel Finch,* Elisha Harding, 
Esq., Mrs. Young, David Perkins, Esq., Aaron Perkins, John Carey, 
Comfort Carey, Mrs. Carey, Rev. Mr. Dana, Gen. ^Vm. Ross, Wm. 
Swetland, Esq., Col. Erastus Hill, Mrs. Ives, Mrs. Town, Mrs. 
Davis. The four whose names are designated by a star were in the 
battle. With one or two exceptions, tiie others were inhabitants of 
Wyoming, at tlie time of the massacre and expulsion, and most of 
them of an age to remember distinctly the events that then took 
place. 

To Col. Joseph Kingsbury, I take pleasure in making my ac- 
knowledgments, for anecdotes of Col. Franklin, and more especially, 
for a journal kept by that gentleman, for several years, during the 
contest with the Pennsylvania land claimants. In an especial man- 



viii INTRODUCTION. 

ner, I beg leave to make my grateful acknowledgments to C. L. 
Ward, Esq., That gentleman had been gathering materials for a 
History of Wyoming, and had copied from the archives at Harris- 
burg numerous documents bearing on the subject, several of which 
were new to mo, and of great interest. On the unfortunate des- 
truction, by fire, of what he had written, with various papers ob- 
tained from Col. Franklin, he sent me those documents, and placed 
them at my disposal. 

To Henry R. Strong, Esq., State Librarian, I am indebted for 
valuable extracts from books and documents at Harrisburg, furnished 
with so much promptitude as greatly to enhance the obligation. 
Thanks are due to Redmond Conyngham, Esq., whose thorough 
knowledge of our ancient history has enabled him to throw light 
upon numerous passages regarding the Indians. I cannot but ex- 
press the hope that he will gather into a volume and publish the gar- 
nered treasures of his antiquarian researches : Thomas Elder, Esq., 
of Harrisburg (whose .^ather the Rev. John Elder, at once a minister 
of the gospel, and Colonel of a regiment, who used, surrounded by 
blood seeking savages, to ascend the pulpit with his bible in one 
hand, and rifle in the other, and fought and prayed with Puritan 
courage and zeal) with the utmost kindness and confidence, sent me 
numerous family papers, bearing especially on incidents of the old 
French and Indian war. Extremely valuable, I cannot withhold 
my earnest vv-ish that the facts they contain may be embodied in a 
volume. Few of them come within the scope of a work so local and 
isolated as this in which I am ensaged; but such have been selected 
with care. Miner S. Blackman, Esq., visiting Harrisburg, with his 
accustomed politeness copied for my use several valuable documents. 

Thus prepared with materials, I venture upon the arduous, but 
pleasing task of writing 

THE HISTORY OV WYOMING. 

r. S. Philadelphia, August 2, 1845. 

To Mr. J. Jordan, Jr., of Philadelphia, Member of the Historical 
Society, I make, with pleasure, my very best acknowledgments, not 
only for numerous acts of kindness connected with the publication of 
this work, but for a number of interesting facts and documents, which 
his antiquarian researches and taste had enabled him to gather and 
preserve. 



INTRODUCTION. JX 

I hardly know how to express my deep sense of the considerate 
kindness shown, and unremitting aid afforded me by Joseph R. 
Chandler, Esq., during the protracted and perplexing negotiations 
for the printing and publishing this History. The generous confi- 
dence advanced by a gentleman of his established literary reputation, 
led the way to a most satisfactory arrangement ; and I hope he will 
pardon me for saying that his efforts, so far transcending the claims 
of friendship, could only have proceeded from his characteristic love 
of doing good. My most grateful acknowledgments wait upon hinio 



PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. 



CONTAINING A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF W Y 1*1 I N G . 



Wyoming, in its more limited signification, is the name given to a 
valley on the Susquehanna river, about twenty miles in length from 
northeast to southwest, and from three to four miles in width; but 
in its more enlarged sense, it is used to designate the part of the 
country within the limits of Pennsylvania, embraced within the 42d 
degree of north latitude, claimed by Connecticut, and partially set- 
tled by a colony sent forth under her auspices. Thus the inhabit- 
ants of Salem, Huntington, Providence, Exeter, and other townships, 
though not within the limits of the valley, have always been de- 
signated as " Wyoming Settlers."* 

The general aspect of the territory, out of the valley, is hilly, and 
no inconsiderable portion of it mountainous — ridge after ridge, and 
peak after peak, rising one above another in sublime elevation, 
wherein are interspersed extensive bodies of hill and vale, rough but 
fertile land, yielding to laborious culture remunerating returns. The 
Susquehanna river rising in lake Otsego, running southerly, crosses 
the line dividing the 42d and 4.3d degrees of latitude; thence courses 
its way, westerly, about twenty miles, when turning to the north- 
west it recrosses the line, and pursuing its westerly course about 
forty miles, again turns to the south, and presently receives the Che- 
mung, at Tioga Point, when it bears away southeasterly in a deep 
chasm, closely bounded by hills and mountains, rising precipitously, 
from five hundred to a thousand kei ; the rock-bound shore relieved, 
occasionally by patches of rich intervale, until it comes to latitude 

* In July, 1753, on tlie formation of tlie Susquelianna Company, at Windham, Connoc- 
ticut, a commitlee was sent out to explore "A certain tract of land, lying on Susfn'.chanim 
river, at or near a place called Chirsaumuck, an island in said river,'' presumed to be the 
Minocasy. 



xii PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. 

41 and about 20 minutes, when it breaks through its lofty barriers- 
Meeting the Lackawanna, it again changes its course and glides in a 
bright, broad and beautiful stream to the southwest. Easterly, 
within the great bend of the river, the land (comprising parts of 
Wyoming, Bradford, and the whole of Susquehanna counties) though 
used as hunting ground, was impervious to Indian labour, and re- 
mained until long after the revolutionary war, untouched by the axe 
of the white man — majestic in the extent, the depth and the loftiness 
of its forests — sublime as it came from the hand of the Creator. A 
solitary Indian path from the Lackawanna to Oquago, marked the 
chord of the arc, being about forty miles, while following the bow of 
the river, the distance exceeded one hundred and thirty miles. But 
we are now in the valley ; lovely as ever enthusiast dreamed of, or 
poet sung. Standing on the bank of the river, a little below the 
mouth of the Lackawanna, and looking northward, it appears as if 
by some power, little short of Omnipotent, the solid rock had been 
cloven down near a thousand feet to open a passage for the water.* 
Being on the river bank, twelve years ago, with the able and 
lamented Mr. Packer, then chairman of the senatorial committee, to 
view the coal region of Luzerne, he pointed to a huge mass of broken 
and contorted rock, evidently out of place, which now lies at Pittston 
Ferry, between the canal and river, and expressed the decided and 
not improbable, opinion, that in the convulsion of nature, which sepa- 
rated ihe mountain above us, this mass must have been torn away, 
and borne by the rushing flood, to its present resting place. Twenty 
miles below, where the Susquehanna takes leave of the plains, the 
mountains are equally lofty and precipitous. In many places the 
rocks distinctly exhibit the abrasion of water, many feet above the 
highest pitch to which the river has ever been known to rise, going 
to show, that at some very remote period, this had been a lake, and 
indicating that there had been a chain of lakes, probably along the 
whole line of the stream. Banks of sand, hills covered with rounded 
stone, manifestly worn smooth by attrition, similar stones being 
found wherever wells are sunk, tend to confirm the opinion. The 
soil is chiefly alluvial, and the whole depth and surface, so far as 
examined, show great changes by the violent action of water. 



* Near the summit of the northeastern cliff, the naked stone presents to the eye a grey 
crescent, which, precisely at twelve, receives the direct rays of the sun, and hence is called 
" Dial Rock," — giving notice to the lahouring husbandman, that it is time to turn out his 
team, and reposing under tlie shade of elm or walnut, to take his noontide repast. 



PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. xlii 

The geological structure of Wyoming affords to the inquirer a 
matter of lively interest. Were I able to do the subject justice, this 
would not, perhaps, be deemed the fitting place. The richness and 
beauty of the coal formation, however, at least demand a moment's 
notice. On the top of the southern, or second range of mountains, 
strata of rocks make their appearance. The red-shale, for instance, 
lined by the pebbly conglomerate, (which is the cradle or bed in 
which the lower stratum of anthracite reposes,) with other accom- 
panying rocks, are apparent, and easily traceable. On the opposite, 
the northwestern, or second mountain, the same rocks appear, 
though less distinctly, marking the outer limits of the coal basin, in 
that direction. Within the valley sixteen strata of coal, varying in 
thickness from four to twenty-six feet, have been clearly ascertained. 
The quality of this mineral is unsurpassed in purity ; several veins, 
in an especial manner, being particularly excellent for the fusion of 
ores and the working of iron. During the war of the revolution, 
several boat-loads were taken down the Susquehanna, it is supposed, 
by Capt. Daniel Gore, for the use of the armory forges at Carlisle. 

Bog ores exist in limited extent ; argillaceous ores are known to 
prevail in near proximity with veins of coal, and an extensive stra- 
tum of mountain ore is now being wrought on one of the hills south 
of the Lackawanna.* These brief preliminary notices of the coal 
and ore of Wyoming have been made, that the distant reader may 
receive, at least, a partial idea of its slumbering wealth. The sub- 
ject may be adverted to more in detail hereafter, if our limits shall 
permit. 

The valley, itself, is diversified by hill and dale, upland and inter- 
vale. Its character of extreme richness is derived from the exten- 
sive flats, or river bottoms, which in some places extend from one to 
two miles back from the stream, unrivalled in expansive beauty ; 
unsurpassed in luxuriant fertility. Though now generally cleared 
and cultivated, to protect the soil from floods, a fringe of trees is left 
along each bank of the river : — the sycamore, the elm, and more 
especially the black-walnut, while here and there scattered through 
the fields, a huge shellbark yields its summer shade to the weary 
laborer, and its autumn fruit to the black and gray squirrel, or the 

* Sufficient proof exists to show that this rich vein of iron ore extends throughout the 
whole valley; beneath, and not far below, the red shale, at Solomon's creek, in Hanover, 
fifteen miles southwest from the mine so successfully worked by the Messrs Scrantons & Co.j 
in Lackawanna, the vein is exposed by the deep cuttings of the Mauch Chunk Con>pany'e 
Railroad, and is expected soon to be wrought by Mr. Hibler, the fortunate owner. 



xiv PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. 

rival plough-boy. Pure streams of water come leaping from the 
mountains, imparting health and pleasure in their course ; all of 
them abounding with the delicious trout. Along those brooks and 
in the swales, scattered through the uplands, grow the wild plum 
and the butternut, while, wherever the hand of the white man has 
spared it, the native grape may be gathered in unlimited profusion. 
I have seen a grapevine bending beneath its purple clusters, one 
branch climbing a butternut, loaded w'ith fruit ; another branch rest- 
ing on a wild plum, red with its delicious burden; the while growing 
in their shade, the hazlenut was ripening its rounded kernel. 

Such were common scenes when the white people first came to 
Wyoming, which seems to have been formed by nature, a perfect 
Indian paradise. Game, of every sort, was abundant. The quail 
whistled in the meadow ; the pheasant rustled in its leafy covert ; 
the wild duck reared her brood, and bent the reed in every inlet ; the 
red deer fed upon the hills, while in the deep forests, within a few 
hours walk, was found the stately elk. Several persons, now living, 
delight to relate their hunting prowess, in bringing down this noblest 
of our forest inhabitants. The river yielded, at all seasons, a supply 
of fish. The yellow perch, the pike, the catfish, the bass, the roach, 
and in the spring season, myriads of shad.* 

From various points, the valley may be seen to advantage. Pros- 
pect Rock, on the eastern mountain, near the turnpike, affords a 
very fine, though rather distant, view. From Ross's Hill, on the 
Kingston side, looking up the river, Monockasy island, seeming to 
repose so sweetly, on the glassy bosom of the Susquehanna, is a 
landscape worthy the ablest pencil. But from Inman's Hill, tiie eye 
embracing part of Hanover, and the broad expanse of the Wilkesbarre 
and Kingston meadows, the prospect is eminently picturesque ; pre- 
senting a scene rich in a single aspect, but in detail, studded with 
innumerable beauties. 



* The fact is worth recording that this fish, excellent as it was justly esteemetl, caught 
in the Chesapeake bay, or at the mouth of the river, attained to a superior size and flavour 
when taken so far up as Wyoming. In point of fatness and excellence, there could be no 
comparison. Probably, only the largest and strongest could stem the current for so great a 
distance ; but a better reason, I apprehend, is to be found in a favorable change in quantity 
and quality of congenial food. In 1793 a haul was made, at Nanticoke, of uncounted thou- 
sands. The fishermen threw ashore while purchasers could be found, and tiien gave to 
those who were unable to buy. The supply of salt being exhausted, the seine was raised, 
and the rest allowed to escape. The Wilkesbarre Gazette announced, at the time, in an 
exulting paragraph, such was the multitude, " That Bonaparte (then playing the conqueror 
in Italy,) and all his army was captured !" 



PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. X^. 

The name Wyoming was long supposed to mean, being inter- 
preted, " A Field of Blood;" but Mr. Heckewelder, perfectly versed 
ill Indian language, to the inquiry of Mr. Chapman, replied : "Wyo- 
ming is a corruption of Maughwauwama,by which it was designated 
by the Delaware Indians, being a compound of maughwau, meaning 
large, and wama, signifying plains, so that it may be translated 
" The Large Plains." 



LETTER I. 



Native inhabitants of Wyoming— Six Nations— Great head, or Council Fire, at Onondago. 

Mohawks. 



To William Penn Miner, Esq. 

My Dear Son, 

Having presented you with a brief sketch of Wyoming, I pro- 
ceed to trace the history of its earliest inhabitants. Speculations 
upon the origin of the Indians, whether they are derivations from 
one stock — whether this continent was peopled from Asia, the colo- 
nists landing on the northwest coast — whether the lost Tribe of 
Israel may have been removed and planted in America by some 
miraculous interposition of Providence, pleasant as they may prove 
to the learned antiquarian, or the ingenious idler, give little promise 
of solving the perplexing question. Indeed, with advancing know- 
ledge and increasing research, doubts, instead of being dissipated, 
thicken around us. The recent and most wonderful discoveries in 
Central America, Mexico and Yucatan, the remains of vast cities, 
temples of hewn stone, rivaling, in grandeur of design and magnifi- 
cence of execution, the noblest ruins of Egypt, — the varied and finished 
sculpture, speak of population and wealth — arts and arms, at a pe- 
riod so remote, as to render it a problem which is the old world and 
which the new. Nor would those disquisitions be regarded as exactly 
in place in a limited work like the present; but so deeply interwoven 
is the early history of Wyoming with that of the Indians, a few pages 
in reference to those tribes which governed, or inhabited here, suffi- 
cient to fix attention without fatiguing it, may be regarded as 
proper. 

By those most deeply versed in the subject it is supposed that 
there were three distinct Nations in North America, radically differ- 
ing in their languages. Of this opinion was the Rev. Mr. Hecke- 
welder, certainly authority in a high degree entitled to consideration. 
2 



18 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

He enumerates the Leni-Lenape, or Delaware^. The Mengwe, or 
Iroquois, and the Algonquins. Of these the Leni-Lenape and Iroquois 
were the principal inhabitants, east of the Mississippi, and south of 
the great lakes — But these were divided and subdivided into in- 
numerable tribes, with most unutterable names, many of them speak- 
ing dialects so little resembling the parent language, as to create 
doubts of their common origin. Mr. Jefferson speaks of tribes on 
the Potomac and James' river, who could not converse but through 
an interpreter. Without pursuing this point further, I proceed di- 
rectly to the matter which concerns our immediate subject. 

As early after the first settlements made by Europeans in Vir- 
ginia, Plymouth, and New York, as Savage policy and power could 
be at all comprehended, they found the Iroquois or Mengwe, five 
united nations of Indians, situated north of the blue mountains^, 
amidst the lesser lakes, and on the head waters of the Hudson, the 
Delaware, and the Susquehanna, claiming empire and exacting 
homage through an extent of territory, equal to the old Thirteen 
States. Their names were Mohawks, Senecas, Onondagos, Onei- 
das, Cayugas, to which was afterwards added the Tuscaroras, con- 
stituting the well known and long dreaded confederacy of the Six 
Nations. Proud, ambitious, warlike, Rome in the zenith of her 
power, did not exercise dominion as empress of the earth, with more 
dictatorial and absolute sway. 

This valley having been, for centuries, subject to their authority, 
and here having been exhibited the last dread scene in the fearful 
drama of their national existence, I shall endeavour to give a sketch 
of their history, policy, and power, so far as such exposition may 
tend to illustrate the annals of Wyoming. It does not appear to 
me that any vi'riter has set forth, distinctly, in sufficiently bold re- 
lief — their extent of dominion — their absolute sovereignty — their pro- 
found policy — their imperial sway. 

In unraveling the tangled web of Indian history, we found our- 
selves in the outset extremely embarrassed, especially when reading 
the pages of Heckewelder, and other writers of the United brethren. 
The removal of tribes, or parts of tribes, to the valley ; their remain- 
ing a brief period, and then emigrating to some other place, with- 
out any apparent motive, founded in personal convenience, consist- 
ency, or wisdom, perplexed us exceedingly, as we doubt not it has 
others. The domineering spirit of the Six Nations is spoken of, and 
incidents are related showing their assumption of power over the 
surrounding tribes ; but Mr. Heckewelder will not admit that the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 19 

Delawares, his beloved Leni-Lenape, were a conquered people ; the 
vassals of the Six Nations. Yet such was unquestionably the fact, 
as were most of the surrounding nations ; and when this truth is once 
admitted, what was before doubtful, becomes perfectly clear or easily 
explicable. 

In treating this matter, I feel a lively assurance, that old facts 
will be presented in such new aspects and relations, and so much of 
novelty will be introduced, as to repay the best learned in Indian 
story the labour of perusal. 

Whether the conjecture be well founded, which I venture to sug- 
gest, namely ; — That the Empire was divided for easier government, 
into three provinces, the Mohawks taking the country east of the 
Delaware, and along the St. Lawrence — the Cayugas having ad- 
ministration westerly, south of the great lakes, along the Ohio, and 
generally beyond the Alleghany mountains to the Mississippi : — ■ 
The Senecas and Oneidas governing the country west of the Dela- 
ware, east of the Alleghany, and indefinitely south, perhaps to the 
Saluda Gap, thence to the Mississippi : while the Onondagos 
were eminent as counsellors, distinguished for eloquence, perhaps 
revered like the tribe of Levi as the Priesthood of the confederacy, 
to whose care was committed the keeping, or kindling, the sacred 
Fire around which their most solemn deliberations were held — the 
critical reader will determine, after the facts which bear on the case 
are fully exhibited. 

But this must be kept constantly in mind, that the " Great Head,^^ 
or council at Onondago, was supreme ; — that whatever was done, 
every material transaction, no matter by which nation, tribe or di- 
vision undertaken, was the result of united councils at that Federal 
Congress. 

With these preliminary remarks, I proceed to sketch the Iroquois 
in the eastern division of their empire, under the more immediate 
administration of the Mohawks. 

In 1669 there was war between the Mohawks and Massachusetts 
Indians. It had raged for several years. Six or seven hundred 
warriors under the command of a great chief, Chikataubutt, a wise 
and stout man, were led out two hundred miles to attack a Mohawk 
fort. They were repelled and ambushed on their retreat-, and a 
great fight ensued. "What was inost calamitous in this disastrous 
expedition, (says the Historian) was the loss of the great chief Chik- 
ataubutt, who, after performing prodigies of valour, was killed in. 



go HISTORY OF WYOMlNa. 

repelling the Mohawks in their last attack, with almost all his capf- 
tains." I copy from Drake's multitudinous collection of facts, con- 
nected with Indian story ; and he from collections of the Mass. Histc 
Soc : The authority adds : — " The Mohawks considered themselves 
their masters, and although peace was brought about between them^ 
by the mediation of the English and Dutch, yet the Massachusetts, 
and others, often suffered from their incursions." 

The overthrow of these 6 or 700 warriors was manifestly total. 
One European nation was not sufficient, — the English and Dutch 
were obliged to unite their powerful mediation to restrain these 
terrible barbarians- It is evident that long before this period (16G9) 
the Mohawk power had been established, probably for centuries. 
No date has ever been given when the neighbouring nations were 
finally subdued. The Mohawks claimed, not that noto they had 
conquered the Massachusetts, but that, for an indefittite period, these 
had been their vassals. In the history of the New England Indians, 
at a period thirty years previous to the defeat and death of Chik- 
ataubutt, we have an account of a great sachem of the NarragansettSy 
who was slain by the Mohawks. "In the beginning of July 1676, 
those Indians who were known by the name of Mauguawogs, or Mo- 
hawks, i. e. man-eaters, had lately fallen on Philip [the renowned 
Narragansett chief, whose Indian name was Pometacom] — and killed 
forty of his men."* 

About this time the Mohawks sent a threat that they would de- 
stroy all the Indians from Uncas and Mount-Hope, to the eastward 
as far as Pegypscot. 

The New York Historian, Smith, sets forth ; " When the Dutch 
began the settlement of New York, all the Indians on Long Island, 
and the northern shore of the Sound, on the banks of the Connecti- 
cut, Hudson, Delaware, and Susquehanna rivers, were in subjection 
to the Five Nations." — The same author asserts that, within the 



* The Governor of New Hampshirej in 1685, received a letter written by a distinguished 
Sagamore, and signed hy fifteen Chiefs, of which tlie following is an extract. 

" May 15, 1G85. Honor Governor, my friend, you my friend, 1 desire your worship and 
your power, because 1 hope you can do some great matters this one. I am poor and naked, 
and have no men at my place, because I afraid always Mohago he will kill me every day 
and night." If your worship when please pray help me you no let Mohago kill me at my place 
at Malamake (Merrimack) river, called Panukkog, and Natukkog, I will submit your wor- 
ship and your power." 

By Mohago, the Mohawks were clearly indidated. So far east as the Merrimack were 
their arms a source of terror. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 21 

memory of persons then living, a small tribe on the Hudson paid an 
annual tribute of twenty pounds to the Mohawks. 

In August, 1689, the Iroquois sent out an army of 1200 warriors, 
who attacked Montreal, burnt the houses, sacked the plantations, and 
slew great numbers of the French. 

Smith further says, in 1756, " These Indians (Iroquois) universally 
concur in the claim of all the lands not sold to the English, from the 
mouth of Sorel river, on the south side of lakes Erie and Ontario, 
on both sides of the Mississippi, and on the north side of those 
lakes," &c. 

An extract from " Remarks on the Policy and Practice of the 
United States and Great Britain, in their treatment of the Indians," 
by Gov. Cass, published in the North American Review, April 1827, 
(a paper pregnant with important matter, and written with extraor- 
dinary power,) will illustrate the view I have taken. (See p. 50.) 

" Charlevoix, long since described the Wyandots, as the nation 
of all Canada, the most remarkable for its defects and virtues. When 
Jacques Cartier ascended the St. Lawrence he found them established 
near Hockelega, now Montreal ; and when Champlain entered the 
same river their war with the Iroquois had already commenced, and 
that enterprizing officer accompanied one of their parties in a hostile 
expedition against their enemies. The events of the war were most 
disastrous, and they were driven from their country to the northern 
shore of lake Huron. But distance afforded no security, and the 
Iroquois pursued them with relentless fury. Famine, disease and war 
made frightful havoc among them, and the account of their sufferings 
given by the old Missionaries, who w'itnessed and shared them, 
almost tasks the belief of the reader." " They were literally hunted 
from their resting place, and the feeble remnant of this once powerful 
and haughty tribe owed their preservation to the protection of the 
Sioux, in whose country, west of lake Superior, they found safety and 
tranquillity.''^ Surely that nation must have been tremendous in its 
power, as terrible in its wrath, that could thus nearly exterminate a 
powerful tribe, hunting them through twenty degrees of longitude ! 
Nor can it be doubted that the western Indians, to lake Superior, 
must have been their obedient allies or trembling vassals. 

I should deem myself unpardonable if I withheld the following 
interesting paper; for to a large proportion of the readers of this 
volume it probably will be new. 



g2 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

AN INDIAN TRADITION, 

CONCERNING THE ORIGIN OF THE FIVE NATIONS. 

The following is the account given by old Cannassatego, of the 
manner in which his country was made and peopled. 

" When our good Manitta raised Akanishionegy* out of the great 
waters, he said to his brethren, how fine a country is this ! I will 
make Redf men, the best of men, to enjoy it. Then with five hand- 
fuls of red seeds, like the eggs of flies, did he strow the fertile fields 
of Onondago. Little worms came out of the seeds, and penetrated 
the earth, when the spirits, who bad never yet seen the light, entered 
into and united with them. Manitta watered the earth with his rain, 
the sun warmed it, the worms, with the spirits in them, grew, putting 
forth little arms and legs, and moved the light earth that covered 
them. After nine moons they came forth perfect boys and girls. 
Manitta covered them with his mantle of warm, purple cloud, and 
nourished them with milk from his fingers ends. Nine summers did 
he nurse them, and nine summers more did he instruct them how to 
live. In the mean time he had made for their use, trees, plants, and 
animals, of various kinds. Akanisbionegy was covered with woods 
and filled with creatures. Then he assembled his children together 
and said, " Ye are Five Nations, for ye sprang each from a different 
handful of the seed I sowed ; but ye are all brethren ; and I am 
your father, for I made ye all ; I have nursed and brought you up : 
Mohocks, I have made you bold and valiant, and see, I give you 
corn for your food : Oneidas, I have made you patient of pain and 
of hunger, the nuts and fruits of the trees are yours. Senekas, I 
have made you industrious and active, beans do I give you for nour- 
ishment : Cayugas, I have made you strong, friendly and generous, 
ground nuts and every root shall refresh you : Onondagos, I have 
made you wise, just and eloquent; squashes and grapes have I given 
you to eat, and tobacco to smoke in Council. The beasts, birds and 
fishes have I given to you all, in common. As I have loved and 
taken care of you all, so do you love and take cai^e of one another. 
Communicate freely to each other the good things I have given you, 
and learn to imitate each other''s virtues. I have made you the best 

* The country of the Five Nations. 

t They thus distinguished themselves from white men and black men. But their com- 
plexion is not properly red. It is rather the color of copperj or mahogany^ 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 23 

people in the world, and I give you the best country. You will de- 
fend it from the invasions of other nations, from the children of other 
Manittas, and keep possession of it for yourselves, while the sun and 
moon give light, and the waters run in the rivers. This you shall 
do if you observe my words. Spirits, I am now about to leave you. 
The bodies I have given you will in time grow old, and wear out, 
so that you will be weary of them ; or from various accidents they 
may become unfit for your habitation, and you will leave them. I 
cannot remain here always to give you new ones. I have great 
affairs to mind, in distant places, and I cannot again attend so long 
to the nursing of children. I have enabled you therefore among 
yourselves to produce new bodies, to supply the place of old ones, 
that every one of you, when he parts with his old habitation, may 
in due time find a new one, and never wander longer than he chose 
under the earth, deprived of the light of the sun. Nourish and in- 
struct your children, as I have nourished and instructed you. Be 
just to all men and kind to strangers, that come among you. So 
shall you be happy and be loved by all : and I myself will sometimes 
visit and assist you." " Saying this, he wrapped himself in a bright 
cloud and went like a swift arrow to the sun, where his brethren re- 
joiced at his return. From thence he often looked at Akanishionegy, 
and pointing, showed with pleasure, to his brothers, the country he 
had formed, and the nations he had produced to inhabit it." 

Is it not beautiful ? And does it not in some degree warrant the 
opinion I have suggested, that the Onondagos were regarded as the 
wisest, perhaps, the Sacred Nation ?' 



LETTEE II. 



Massawamees of Wyoming— Senecas and Oneidas — Indian Fortifications— Medal of 
George I. — Burying Places— Exhumation of an Indian King— Probable likeness of 
Q,ueen Anne — Spirit, power and dominion of the Iroquois, or Great Confederacy. 



These previously related facts make sufficiently plain the extent 
and spirit of dominion claimed and exercised in the eastern and 
northern portions of the Continent by this tremendously formidable 
power. We now turn to the southern Province, west of the Dela- 
ware, east of the Alleghany mountains ; and southerly from the head 
waters of the Susquehanna, administered by the Senecas and Oneidas: 
and as in this territory Wyoming is included, we hope to throw more 
incident into our narrative, and impart greater interest to the subject. 

Mr. Jefferson, after describing the numerous tribes in lower Vir- 
ginia, in which the Powhattan confederacy is estimated at 8000, 
says : " Westward of all these tribes, beyond the mountains, and 
extending to the great lakes, were the Massawamees, a most poiver- 
ful confederacy, who harrassed unremittingly the Powhattans, and 
Manahoacs. These were probably the ancestors of tribes known at 
present as the Six Nations." I am strongly of opinion that, at an 
early period, Wyoming was the head quarters of one or two of 
those nations, though not the scite of their great Council fire ; — that 
was at Onondago. They were then known by the name of Massa- 
wamees. Is not the inference fair that the name they then bore was 
derived from these extensive plains 1 The reader will bear in mind 
that Indian names are not arbitrary selections of fancy, but uniform- 
ly are given as descriptive of the thing named. 

Massachusetts was thus called from the blue hills, says Roger Wil- 
liams. The Rev. John Cotton defines Massachusetts, in his vocabu- 
lary of Indian words, "An hill in the form of an arrow head." 
The name of the terrible foes of the Powhattans, then, was formed 
of the two words, Massa-Hills — Wauglimees, plains — meaning A 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 25 

people among the hills, seated upon extensive plains — an exact de- 
scription of Wyoming. 

I have purposely left a notice of Indian fortifications, found in 
the valley, for this connexion, because the aspect they present 
strengthens the conclusion, that Wyoming was the residence of 
several chiefs and tribes of this gigantic empire. Mr. Chapman has 
given a clear description of the fort remaining on the west, or King- 
ston side of the river. 

" In the valley of Wyoming, there exists some remains of ancient 
fortifications, which appear to have been constructed by a race of 
people very different in their habits from those who occupied the 
place when first discovered by the whites. Most of these ruins have 
been so much obliterated by the operations of agriculture, that their 
forms cannot now be distinctly ascertained. That which remains 
the most entire, was examined by the writer during the summer 
of 1817, and its dimensions carefully ascertained ; although from 
frequent ploughing, its form had become almost destroyed. It is 
situated in the township of Kingston, upon a level plain on the north 
side of Toby's creek, about one hundred and fifty feet from its bank, 
and about half a mile from its confluence with the Susquehanna. It 
is of an oval or elliptical form, having its longest diameter from the 
northwest to the southeast, at right angles to the creek, three hundred 
and thirty-seven feet, and its shortest diameter from the northeast to 
the southwest, two hundred and seventy-two feet. On the south- 
west side, appears to have been a gateway about twelve feet wide, 
opening toward the great eddy of the river, into which the creek 
falls. From present appearances, it consisted, probably, of only one 
mound or rampart, which, in height and thickness, appears to have 
been the same on all sides, and was constructed of earth ; the plain 
on which it stands, not abounding in stone. On the outside of the 
rampart, is an entrenchment or ditch formed, probably, by removing 
the earth of which it is composed, and which appears never to have 
been walled. ' The creek, on which it stands, is bounded by a high 
steep bank on that side, and at ordinary times, is sufficiently deep to 
admit canoes to ascend from the river to the fortification. When 
the first settlers came to Wyoming, this plain was covered with its 
native forests, consisting principally of oak and yellow pine ; and the 
trees which grew in the rampart and in the entrenchment, are said 
to have been as large as those in any other part of the valley; one 
large oak particularly, upon being cut down, was ascertained to be 
seven hundred years old. The Indians had no tradition concerning 



26 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

these fortifications, neither did they appear to have any knowledge 
of the purposes for which they were constructed. They were, per- 
haps, erected about the same time with those upon the waters of the 
Ohio, and, probably by a simliar people, and for similar purposes." 

I am happy to be able to add some very interesting facts to this 
description of my lamented friend. Another fortification existed on 
Jacob's Plains, or the upper flats, in Wilkesbarre. Its situation is 
the highest part of the low grounds, so that only in extraordinary 
floods, is the spot covered with water. Looking over the flats, in 
ordinarily high freshes, the site of the fort presents to the eye an 
island in the vast sea of waters. The eastern extremity is near the 
line dividing the farms of Mr. John Searle and Mr. James Hancock, 
where, from its safety from inundation, a fence has long since been 
placed ; and to this circumstance is to be attributed the preservation 
of the embankment and ditch. In the open field, so entirely is the 
work levelled, that the eye cannot trace it ; but the extent west, is 
known, *' for it reached through the meadow lot of Capt. Gore," 
(said Cornelius Courtright, Esq., to me, when visiting the ground 
several years ago) " and came on to my lot one or two rods." The 
lot of Capt. Gore was seventeen perches in width. Taking then 
these two hundred and eighty feet, add the distance it extended 
easlwardly on the Searle lot, and the extension, westerly, on the lot 
of Esq. Courtright, Ave have the length of that measured by Mr. 
Chapman, so very nearly, as to render the inference almost certain, 
that both were of the same size and dimensions. Huge trees were 
growing out of the embankment when the white people began to 
clear the flats for cultivation. This, too, in Wilkesbarre, is oval, as 
is still manifest from the segment exhibited on the upper part, formed 
by the remaining rampart and fosse, the chord of the arc being the 
division fence. A circle is easily made ; the elliptical form much 
more difficult for an untutored mind to trace. Trifling as these cir- 
cumstances may appear, the exact coincidence in size and shape, and 
that shape difficult to form, they appeared to me worthy of a distinct 
notice. The Wilkesbarre fortification is about eighty rods from the 
river, towards which a gale opened, and the ancient people concur 
in stating that a well existed in the interior, near the southern line. 
On the bank of the river there is an Indian burying place, not a. 
barrow or hill, such as is described by Mr. Jefferson, but where 
graves have been dug, and the deceased laid, horizontally, in regular 
rows. In excavating the canal, cutting through the bank that bor- 
ders the flats, perhaps thirty rods south from the fort, was another 



CoVY °^ ^^"^ ^if'diil 





Pnf)f 2 7. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 27 

burying place disclosed, evidently more ancient ; for the bones almost 
immediately crumbled to dust, on exposure to the air ; and the 
deposits were far more numerous than in that near the river. By 
the representation of James Stark, Esq., the skeletons were count- 
less, and the deceased had been buried in a sitting posture. In a 
considerable portion of the bank, though scarcely a bone remained 
of sufficient firmness to be lifted up, the closeness and position of the 
buried, were apparent by the discoloration of the earth. In this 
place of deposite, no beads were found, while they were common in 
that near the river. 

In 1814, I visited this fortification in company with the present 
Chief Justice Gibson, and Jacob Cist, Esqs. The whole line, 
although it had been ploughed for more than thirty years, was then 
distinctly traceable by the eye. Fortune was unexpectedly propitious 
to our search, for we found a medal bearing on one side the impress 
of King George the First, dated 1714, (the year he commenced his 
reign,) on the other, an Indian chief It was awarded to Mr. Cist, 
as the most curious and careful in such matters, and by him was 
deposited with the Philadelphia Historical Society.* 

Three years ago, an ice flood passed over the flats, and left several 
skeletons exposed. Mr. Hancock politely sent for me, but being 
absent, I did not visit the spot until the next day. A profusion of 
blue beads remained ; a skull or two, and some well preserved bones 
were taken by Dr. Boyd ; but all were regretting that I had not seen 
a picture of a lady, found upon the breast, worn as a locket, of, from 
this, the beads and other ornaments, it was supposed a great chief. 
Various were the conjectures who it could have been. Some sup- 
posed a European officer had presented the chief with a miniature 
of his mistress ; this I thought improbable. The likeness was not 
painted on ivory, but a print pasted on an oval piece of glass, about 
four inches the longest way. Taken in connexion with the medal of 
George the First, I expressed the conviction that the picture must 
have been that of Queen Anne. What greatly strengthens this 
opinion is the fact, that in 1710, in the reign of that Queen, a 
deputation of chiefs of the Five Nations visited England, where 
they were received with marked distinction. Clothed like tragedy 
kings, by tailors of the theatre ; taken in the coaches of state, they 
were waited upon by Sir Charles Cotterell, and on the 19th of April, 



* Should it not be placed with the Indian relics in a Museum to be formed in Wilkes- 
barre 1 



28 HISTORY OF WYOMIN(>. 

introduced to her Majesty by the Duke of Shrewsbury. They were 
entertained by many noble persons, particularly the great Duke of 
Ormond,* who regaled them with a review of the life-guards. Their 
portraits were taken, and are now in the British Museum. 

Their visit is noticed by Sir Richard Steele, in the " Tattler," of 
May 13, 1710. 

The delegation consisted of five chiefs, of whom, the names of 
four are preserved : — 1. Te-Yee-Neen-Ho-Ga-Prow ; 2. Sa-Ga-Yean- 
Qua-Peah-Ton ; 3. Elow-Oh-Koam, and 4. Oh-Nee-Yeath-Ton-No- 
Prow — the two last named being River Indians.f 

It seems, then, probable, that the skeleton found with the picture 
on his breast, was one of the two latter chiefs, who had visited the 
Court of Queen Anne, received her likeness, pasted on glass, which 
was worn as a badge of honour, and was buried with him. 

Mr. Jefferson further states, that the Tuscaroras became united 
with the Iroquois, in 1712, thus making the confederacy Six Nations. 
Of course, when the delegation visited England in 1710, two years 
before, the confederacy was constituted of, as it was called, the Five 
Nations. Five chiefs went to England. The inference is quite pro- 
bable, nay, almost certain, that a distinguished sachem went from 
each nation. One died in England, leaving four, whose names we 
have mentioned. They were spoken of at the time as kings, and 
treated with great distinction. Two of these are stated to have been 
River Indians. We have given our reasons for believing that one of 
those kings died at the Indian fort at Jacob's Plains, Wilkesbarre, 
and that it was his skeleton which the flood washed out, of which I 
have spoken. He, then, was one of the River Indians. But there was 
another. Our inference is, that he occupied the fortification described 
by Mr. Chapman, on the west side of the river ; that Wyoming, 
therefore, must have been, so late as 1715, and for a time indefinitely 
previous, the occasional residence of the kings of two of the Five 
Nations. Depending on hunting and fishing for subsistence, the 
tribes would, for the sake of plenty, be located some distance apart, 
however close their alliance ; and Wyoming, from its superabund- 
ance of game and fish, would not be overlooked or neglected. What 

* The Duke of Ormond's family name, was Butler. I throw out the conjecture, that the 
ancestors of Col. John Butler, the intimate friend of Sir William Johnson, and leader of tlie 
Indians, maj^, probably at this time, have received an appointment from his relative and 
namesake, to return with these chiefs to America, and act as agent of the British Govern- 
ment, 
t For this information, my acknowledgments are due to Drake's " Book of the Indians." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 29 

two nations, then, inhabited the valley 1 Not the Mohawks ; they 
were located the farthest east, as we have seen, and gave or received 
their name from the Mohawk river. Not the Onondagos, for they, I 
take it, were a distinguished or favored tribe, to whom was commit- 
ted the preservation of the Sacred Council Fire ; the " Great Head," 
or Congress, ever holding their sessions within the limits of that 
nation. Whether there are additional facts to warrant such an infer- 
ence, I am not prepared to assert ; but the Great Shikellamus, the 
Vice Roy over the Pennsylvania Indians, being an Onondago, 
might lead to the conjecture, that the more elevated civil offices of 
authority and honour, were exercised by that tribe. Not a fact pre- 
sents itself, in my research, to lead me to suppose that the Cayugas 
had ever any special interest or influence here. But the Senecas 
and Oneidas acted so conspicuous a part in the affairs of Wyoming, 
that I incline strongly to the opinion, they were the nations who 
occupied the two fortifications described. A Seneca chief, Gi-en- 
gwah-toh, commanded in the battle. A delegation of Senecas, 
attempted and executed the impudent deception upon Congress.* 

These, then, were probably the two nations whose kings kept their 
court in the valley. When the Moravian Indians were struck, it is 
stated to have been done by the Oneidas, the war party coming from 
Wyoming, showing this to have been within the special jurisdiction 
of those two nations. I offer another conjecture, which the unbiassed 
mind will readily receive as true : namely. That these were the 
Massawamees, who so incessantly harrassed the Powhattans of Vir- 
ginia ; struck the Catawbas of South Carolina, and took scalps and 
prisoners from the Cherokees on the Mississippi. The nations most 
southwesterly located would, naturally, be best acquainted with the 
southwest country and nations — know the war paths, and be best 
able to strike an effective blow in their own quarter. And although 
acting as one of, and by orders from, The Great Head, at Onon- 

* Without anticipating events, which will be related in the sequel, illustrative of the point 
in question, I may here relate, that Mary Jemison was taken prisoner, from the lower part 
of Pennsylvania, in 1755, by a band of Senecas. Many years afterwards she married Hiok- 
atoo, an Indian warrior, in the Seneca tribe, "that inhabited the banks of the Susque- 
hanna." Her husband commanded the Indians in the battle, near Northumberland, in 1779. 
Relating to her the events of his youth, Hiokatoo stated, that " in 1730, then aged about 
twenty, he was appointed a runner to collect an army to go against the Catawbas, Cherokees 
and other southern Indians." He told of a battle in which twelve hundred of the enemy 
were slain, spoke of adventures on the Mobile, and of being two years upon one expedition ; 
constantly professing an unextinguishable hostility to the Cherokees — incidents which go far 
to corroborate the opinion expressed. 



30 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

dago, their enemies would be apt to designate their foes by the name 
of ihe particular nation, whose warriors reached them. 

A portion of the Wyandots, situate near Detroit, (having been per- 
mitted, probably, to return,) were claimed by the Iroquois as their 
cousins. Mr. Jefferson speaks of a tribe of Mingoes, on the Sciota, 
having eighty warriors. The former, probably, were confederates, 
or in close alliance with the Six Nations ; subservient, but politically 
treated as if not subjugated ; too remote to be admitted to an equality 
and free participation of power, at the Council Fire, at Onondago ; 
and yet trusted, and used to extend and perpetuate the power of the 
confederacy in the west, while the Mingoes mentioned, were the 
more immediate agents sent out by the Iroquois, to the waters of the 
Ohio, as Roman legions, under her pro-consuls, were marched to 
Egypt or Gaul. 

" In war concerns," says Heckewelder, speaking of the Iroquois, 
" they assumed an authority over many other nations, so that they 
only had to dictate, and others to obey. Not only those inhabiting 
Pennsylvania, but those dwelling within the limits of other pro- 
vinces, and the adjacent country, together with the Western or Lake 
Indians, were called upon by the Six Nations to join the conflict, 
and such among them as were averse to war, were threatened with 
destruction if they did not join them." 

Growing jealousy of the English, who were rapidly peopling the 
ocean-shore ; increasing attachment to the French, whose less 
haughty, but more attractive manners, as well as their advancing 
power on the north, may have been one motive with the confederacy 
to concentrate the residence of their chiefs, and to fix on a more 
northern location, nearer to their preferred allies. The position they 
now assumed, it must be confessed, if less attractive in beauty, was 
not less fitted for the seat of extended empire, embracing, particularly, 
the upper branches of the great rivers, the Mohawk, the Delaware 
and the Susquehanna, and the lesser lakes. They had settlements at 
Aughquago, Owego, Tioga and Chenango. The banks of the 
Cayuga and Seneca lakes were spotted with their villages.* Though 
still in the acme of power and pride of dominion, the hour of inevita- 
ble decline was approaching with the approach of the arts and arms 
of the white man — whether French or English. 

The Leni-Lenape, or Delaware Indians, had long before been sub- 

* A powerful branch of the Seneca nation, the most numerous, it is believed, of the con- 
federacy, had a location, in 1724, near lake Ontario. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 31 

jugated by the Iroquois. "We have made you women; we have 
placed petticoats on you," was the uniformly insulting language of 
the victors. Cowering with fear under the hand of their oppressors, 
yet possessing an Indian's pride, his passions and love of independ- 
ence, the numerous and wide spread tribes of the Delawares are sup- 
posed to have given the white men a less jealous reception than their 
masters, hoping to find in their increasing power, protection, if not 
the means of revenge. Hence, the Delawares lingered in the neigh- 
borhood of the whites — sought their society — opened their ears more 
readily to the instruction of missionaries, than those red men who 
were engaged in wars, intent on conquest and fired by ambition. 
These considerations are deemed important as affording a key to 
what, otherwise, would be perplexing difficulties. 

A few further facts, showing the extent and spirit of the power 
exercised, and authority claimed, by the Six Nations, demand notice. 
The quotation from Mr. Jefferson, showing the incessant and harass- 
ing attacks of the Six Nations, on the Indians of Virginia, occupies a 
preceding page. 

Mr. Heckewelder, in his narrative, says, " The Six Nations, under 
a pretence that they had once conquered the Delawares, asserted 
that thereby the whole country had become theirs, and, therefore, 
assumed the power of dictating who should, and who should not be 
permitted to dwell therein." 

Again: — "The intention was of settling certain Delawares at 
Wyoming ; but they objected, on the ground that this place lay in 
the road of the warriors going to and coming from the Catawbas." 

Catawbas, a river then peopled by a tribe of Indians, in South Caro- 
lina, full a thousand miles, by any accessible route, from the Council 
Fire of the Iroquois ! This single fact is worth dwelling on a mo- 
ment, as at once illustrative of the extent of dominion claimed, as 
also the character of that wonderful people. A band of warriors, 
armed, taking in a leathern bag a preparation of Indian corn, 
parched, and pounded with maple sugar, (called by the Mohegans 
Yokeag,) set out on a war path, to strike an enemy, and take a scalp, 
a thousand miles distant. Courage, fortitude, ambition ; the lofty 
aspirations of Alexander or Napoleon were here. Nor were these 
all ; for the geography of an extensive country must have been un- 
derstood ; the position and power of all the neighboring nations, com- 
prehended by them. Books they knew not, but ignorant, it were 
false to deem them. It is clear, an enemy would not be sought so 
far, if the nearer tribes had not been previously subjugated. 



32 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Mr. H. adds another objection of the emigrating Delawares, name- 
ly, that Wyoming " abounded with Indians whom they mistrusted." 
So that the valley was then numerously peopled. 

The Iroquois, it is well known, in the old French war, took part 
with that nation against the English. Though the intelligent Mora- 
vian Missionaries passed freely through their country, yet such was 
their cautious concealment that — says Heckewelder, " they kept 
their designs a profound secret, and it was not until those Indians 
made a sally, and murdered fourteen white people within five miles 
of Shamokin, where the Brethren had a small mission, that they were 
aware of danger." He adds : — " It became evident that a cruel 
Indian war would be the result of the influence the French had ac- 
quired among the Indians ; and especially those of the Six Nations, 
who long since on all occasions, and particularly in war concerns, 
assumed an authority over many other nations, so that they only had 
to dictate, and othei^s to obey." 

This reluctant admission, from the friend and patron of the Dela- 
wares, shows that the Six Nations were indeed conquerors, and over 
a vast territory supreme. 

When peace came, Mr. Heckewelder says : — " And the Iroquois, 
the Six Nations being reconciled, they caused the other nations to 
lay down the hatchet." 1764. 

By whatever name the confederacy should be styled : a Republic, 
an Empire, or an Oligarchy, we behold these United people, with the 
* Great Head' or Council at Onondago, clothed with dominion, and 
enthroned in power. Certainly from the Lakes to the Ocean, they 
were as absolute as a nation could be without forts, or standing ar- 
mies. With the left hand they lighted up consuming fires on the 
St. Lawrence, even in the strong holds of the warlike French ; hunt- 
ed their broken enemies two thousand miles into desolate regions 
beyond lake Superior, brandished the tomahawk over trembling 
vassals eastwardly to the Merrimack, while with the right they 
smote the Catawbas on the southern coast of Carolina, and brousht 
home scalps as trophies from the remote Cherokees, on the distant 
banks of the Mississippi. 



LETTEE III. 



Union, pride and policy of the Confederate Nations — Subjugated tribes, removed to Wyo- 
ming — Grand Council in Philadelphia — Canassatego — Count Zinzendorf visits Wyoming 
— Remarkable incident — Moravians — Mission from Wyoming to Gnadenhutten. 



Having presented a general view of the Six Nations, we now pro- 
ceed to speak more particularly of them as connected with the Dela- 
ware, Shawanese, and other Indians, the principal inhabitants, not 
only of Wyoming, but of Pennsylvania. 

So many years, perhaps ages, had elapsed since their independ- 
ence was lost, that time and misfortune had obliterated the re- 
cord of their greatness, or their fall. Several centuries previous to 
1600, had probably seen them in their degraded state. Formerly they 
claimed to have been powerful in numbers, valiant warriors, and 
great conquerors ; possibly not an idle boast, but every fact in their 
history, after their acquaintance with the Europeans, shows at once 
their subserviency and terror, when they heard the voice of their 
imperious masters. 

On the appearance of the English, the expansion of their settle- 
ments, and the development of their power, hope seems to have en- 
tered the minds of the Lenape, that from the new people they might 
derive protection, or what would be dearer still, to an Indian heart, 
the means of revenge. — Hence their welcome to the whites, — hence 
their lingering around the new settlements, — hence their reluctance 
to retire when ordered, into the interior. 

The 'Christian Library,' detailing the Moravian Missions in North 
America, says, [1750] speaking of the Delawares, — " They had not 
only a kind of tax imposed upon them, to show their dependence 
upon the Iroquois ; but the following very singular message was 
sent them : — The Great Head, that is, the Council in Onondago, 
speak the truth, and lie not : — they rejoice that some of the believing 
3 



34 HISTORY OF WYOxM I NG. 

Indians had removed toWayomick; but now they lift up the re- 
maining Mohickans and Delawares, and set them down in Wayo- 
mick, for there a fire is kindled for them, and there they may plant 
and think on God : but if they will not hear, the Great Head will 
come and clean their ears with a red-hot iron." To this lordly 
threat we shall again recur. 

The Historian adds — " It was soon discovered, that this proposal 
did not originate in the Great Council at Onondago, but with the 
Oneida tribe, and the warlike Mohicans and Delawares." Let the 
reader examine all the authorities, and he will be satisfied — that 
neither of the Six Nations took any important step, without consul- 
tation and the consent of the Great Head, or Council, at Onondago. 

Perfect union — and harmonious Councils were the foundation of 
their power ; as secrecy in regard to their intentions, and vigour in 
carrying them into effect, were characteristic of their policy. By 
leave obtained, the Moravian Missionaries passed freely through the 
settlements of the Six Nations, associating unreservedly with chiefs 
and people, immediately preceding hostilities that commenced the 
French war ; yet not a word escaped from any lip — not a whisper 
came to the ear of any one of them, not a suspicion even was 
awakened in the minds of those intelligent, quick discerning white 
men. 

Similar to our own Federal Government, the Six Nations, like the 
several states, attended each to whatever strictly related to its own 
local concerns ; but in every matter affecting war, peace, their ex- 
ternal relations, or general interests, the Great Head, or united 
chiefs, assembled at the Council fire, at Onondago, was supreme. 
The government also possessed the most marked characteristics of 
the feudal system. Lands, for residence, or hunting grounds, were 
apportioned out by the chief power — taxes and tribute were collect- 
ed, and military service demanded. Hence the warlike Mohicans, 
Delawares, Shawanese, and others spoken of, it is evident, were 
the soldiers of the Iroquois, bound to implicit obedience. If at any 
time they seemed to act independently, it was to effect some sinister 
political purpose of their profound and most sagacious masters. A 
Shawanese, — a tributary — a dependent, was sent upon the arro- 
gant and ungracious errand to the Christian Indians near Bethlehem. 
Those to whom it was delivered, comprehended it well, for general 
consternation spread through Gnadenhutten." A Shawanese carried 
the message. It might become politic, on the part of the Iroquois, 
to disavow it. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. gg 

But the Delawares had their kings. Tedeuscung, we are told, 
was elected king of the Delawares ! Most true. It would be a 
gross error to suppose the Six Nations who had conquered, and held' 
in vassalage so extensive an empire, were a rude rabble of ignorant 
Indians. Letters and the arts of civilized life they had not; nor had 
Attila or Ghengis Khan, but they were profoundly versed in all the 
wiles of diplonnacy, the subtlest stratagems of war, and all the arts of 
Savage Government, which they made subservient to the gratifi- 
cation of an ambition as lofty and insatiable as that of the greatest 
conquerors, civilized or barbarian, we read of in story. Napoleon 
was not more proud to be king of kings, emperor supreme over, 
nominally, independent kingdoms ; but mark the sequel, when we 
come to speak of Tedeuscung's fate. 

The Iroquois had, too, like Rome, their pro-consuls, to preside over 
distant Provinces. Thus we find Shikellimus whom Loskiel desig- 
nates " first magistrate and head chief of all the Iroquois Indians liv- 
ing on the banks of the Susquehanna," had his residence at Cones- 
toga. In 1742, with other chiefs, and warriors of the Six Nations, 
he attended a great Council in Philadelphia. At a subsequent period 
he was stationed at Shamokin : — "to transact," says Heckewelder, "in 
the capacity of agent, the business between the Six Nations, and the 
Government of Pennsylvania." 

After the removal to the lakes of the Oneida and Seneca Indians, 
who occupied Wyoming at the commencement of the last century, 
the valley was appropriated to the residence of such tribes, or parts 
of tribes, as claimed protection of the Six Nations, or portions of 
their refractory subjects, whom they desired to place more immedi- 
ately under their inspection. A tribe of Nanticokes, formerly in- 
habitants of Maryland, was divided, part placed at Chenango, — Cho- 
conut, and Owego — and a portion was settled on the east side of the 
river, in the lower part of the Wyoming valley. The Shawanese* 



* Gov. Cass thus speaks of the Shawanese. " Their history is involved in much obscurity. 
Their language is Algonquin, and closely allied to the Kickapoo, and other dialects spoken 
by tribes who have lived for ages north of the Ohio. But they are known to have recently- 
emigrated from the South, where they were surrounded by a family of tribes, Creeks, Chero- 
kees, Choclaws, &c., with whose language their own had no affinity. Their traditions as- 
sign to them a foreign origin, and a wild story has come down to them of a solemn proces- 
sion, in the midst of the ocean, and of a miraculous passage through the great deep. That 
they were closely connected with the Kickapoos, the actual identity of language furnishes 
irrefragable proof, and the incidents of the separation yet live in the oral history of each tribe. 
We are strongly inclined to believe, that not long before the arrival of the French upon these 
great lakes, the Kickapoos and Shawanese composed the tribe known as the Erie ; living on 



36 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

tribe was also divided, a portion having their residence on the Sioto^ 
and a large number were permitted, or directed, to erect their wig- 
wams on the extensive and luxuriant flats on the west side of the 
Susquehanna, now Plymouth, but more popularly designated Shawney, 
The Delawares at this time occupied the country below the blue 
mountains, between the Susquehanna and Delaware, from whom 
purchases of land had been made by the Governors of Pennsylvania^ 
but from which the occupants refused to remove. Learning that the 
Six Nations claimed to be the owners of the country, they were con- 
ciliated by proper means, and a grand Council was held in the sum- 
mer of 1742, in the city of Philadelphia, to adjust all matters in 
dispute. More than two hundred chiefs and warroirs of the Six 
Nations attended, who were met by all the chief Sachems of the De- 
laware tribe. A general Council was opened in presence of the offi- 
cers of the Colonial Government, and a large concourse of citizens, 
in the great hall of the Council house. 

The Governor, by means of an interpreter, opened the Conference 
on the part of the Proprietaries in a long talk, which set forth, that 
the proprietaries of Pennsylvania had purchased the lands in the 
forks of Delaware several years before, of the Delaware tribes who 
then possessed them. That they had afterwards received informa- 
tion that the same lands were claimed by the Six Nations, and a 
purchase was also made of them — that in both these purchases the 
proprietaries had paid the stipulated price ; but the Delaware Indi- 
ans had nevertheless refused to give up possession; and as the Six 
Nations claimed authority over their country, it had been thought 
proper to hold a Council of all parties, that justice might be done. 
The chiefs of the Six Nations were then informed, that as they had 
on all occasions required the Government of Pennsylvania to remove 
any whites that settled upon their lands, so now the Government of 

the eastern shore of the lake, to which they have given their name. It is said that this 
tribe was exterminated by the victorious Iroquois. But it is more probable, that a series of 
disasters divided them into two parties, one of which, under the name of Kickapoos, sought 
refuge from their enemies in the immense prairies between the lihnois and Mississippi ; and 
the other, under the name of Shavvanese, fled into the Cherokee countrj', and thence farther 
south. Father Segard, in 1632, called the Fries the " nation du chat,''* or the racoon, on 
account of the magnitude of these animals in their country ; and that is the soubriquet, 
which, to this day, is applied by the Canadians to the Shawanese." 

The reader will thank, rather than censure us, for this note, long as it is ; because the 
Shawanese, not only were long residents at Wyoming, but gave an enduring name to one of 
its richest and most delightful locations. 

♦ Clan Chattan 1 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Pennsylvania expected that the Six Nations would cause these Indi- 
ans to remove from the lands which it had purchased. The deeds 
from the Indians, and drafts of the disputed lands were then produced, 
and the whole submitted to the consideration of the Council. After 
some deliberation among the different chiefs, Canassatego, a vene- 
rable chieftain, arose in the name of all the deputies, and informed 
the Governor, " That they saw the Delawares had been an unruly 
people, and were altogether in the wrong, and that they had con- 
cluded to remove them." And addressing himself to the Delawares, 
in a violent manner, he said : — "You deserve to be taken by the hair 
of your heads, and shaken till you recover your senses, and become 
sober. We have seen a deed signed by nine of your chiefs above 
fifty years ago, for this very land. But how came you to take upon 
yourselves to sell lands at all 1 We conquered you — we made women 
of you ; you know you are women, and can no more sell lands than 
women. Nor is it fit you should have the power of selling lands, since 
you would abuse it. You have been furnished with clothes, meat, 
and drink, by the goods paid you for it, and now you want it again 
like children as you are. But what makes you sell lands in the dark? 
Did you ever tell us that you had sold this land ? Did we ever re- 
ceive any part, even the value of a pipe shank for it? You have told 
us a blind story that you sent a messenger to us, to inform us of the 
sale, but he never came amongst us, nor have we ever heard anything 
about it. But we find you are none of our blood, you act a dishonest 
part, not only in this, but in other matters. Your ears are ever open 
to slanderous reports about your brethren. For all these reasons, we 
charge you to remove instantly; we dont give you liberty to think 
about it. You are women; take the advice of a wise man, and re- 
move instantly. You may return to the other side of the Delaware 
where you came from, but we do not know whether, considering how 
you have demeaned yourselves, you will be permitted to live there, or 
whether you have not swallowed that land down your throats as well 
as the lands on this side. We therefore assign you two places to go 
to, either to Wyoming, or Shamoldn. You may go to either of these 
places, and then we shall have you more under our eye, and shall 
see how you behave. Dont deliberate, but remove away, and take this 
belt of wampum." 

He then commanded them to leave the Council, as he had business 
to do with the English. 

This, it will be admitted, is the language, not of equals, but of 
masters, to the most abject of slaves. A Roman General would 



38 HISTORY OP WYOMING, 

hardly have dared thus to address the fallen Jews, after the de- 
struction of theu' city by Titus. The imperious command was obey- 
ed ; part removed to Shamokin, and a still larger portion to Wyo- 
ming, who established themselves on the east side of the river, 
occupying the fiats below the present town of Wilkesbarre. 

New and interesting personages now appear upon the scene. 
Zeal for the propagation of the Gospel caused the foot of the first 
white man to tread the soil of Wyoming. Long the residence of 
kings, it may not be improper to relate, that the first white visiter, 
should have been of noble birth, — and of kingly extraction. So ad- 
mirably is the event related by Mr. Chapman, that I copy his 
original and well authenticated narrative entire. 

"Such was the origin of the Indian town of Wyoming. Soon after 
the arrival of the Delawares, and during the same season, the (sum- 
mer of the year 1742,) a distinguished foreigner. Count Zinzendorf, 
of Saxony, arrived in the valley on a religious mission to the Indians. 
This nobleman is believed to have been the first white person that 
ever visited Wyoming. He was the revivor of the ancient church 
of the United Brethren, and had given protection in his dominions 
to the persecuted Protestants who had emigrated from Moravia, 
thence taking the name of Moravians, and who, two years before 
had made their first settlement in Pennsylvania. 

" Upon his arrival in America, Count Zinzendorf manifested a great 
anxiety to have the Gospel preached to the Indians ; and although 
he had heard much of the ferocity of the Shawanese, formed a reso- 
lution to visit them. — With this view he repaired to Ttdpehocken, 
the residence of Conrad Weiser, a celebrated interpreter and Indian 
agent for the Government, whom he wished to engage in the cause, 
and to accompany him to the Shawanese town. Weiser was too 
much occupied in business to go immediately to Wyoming, but he 
furnished the Count with letters to a Missionary of the name of Mack, 
and the latter, accompanied by his wife, who could speak the Indi- 
an language, proceeded immediately with Zinzendorf on the pro- 
jected mission. 

" The Shawanese appeared to be alarmed on the arrival of the 
strangers, who pitched their tents on the banks of the river a little 
below the town, and a Council of the chiefs having assembled, the 
declared purpose of Zinzendorf was deliberately considered. To 
these unlettered children of the wilderness it appeared altogether 
improbable that a stranger should have braved the dangers of a 
boisterous ocean three thousand miles broad, for the sole purpose of 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. ^ 

instructing them in the means of obtaining happiness after death, and 
that too without requiring any compensation for his trouble and ex- 
pense ; and as they had observed the anxiety of the white people to 
purchase land of the Indians, they naturally concluded that the real 
object of Zinzendorf was either to procure from them the lands at 
Wyoming for his own use, to search for hidden treasures, or to ex- 
amine the country with a view to future conquest. It was accord- 
ingly resolved to assassinate him, and to do it privately, lest the 
knowledge of the transaction should produce a war with the English, 
who were settling the country below the mountains. 

" Zinzendorf was alone in his tent, seated upon a bundle of dry 
weeds which composed his bed, and engaged in writing, when the 
assassins approached to execute their bloody commission. It was 
night, and the cool air of September had rendered a small fire neces- 
sary to his comfort and convenience. A curtain, formed of a 
blanket, and hung upon pins, was the only guard to the entrance of 
his tent. 

" The heat of his fire had aroused a large rattlesnake which lay in 
the weeds, not far from it ; and the reptile to enjoy it more effectual- 
ly crawled slowly into the tent, and passed over one of his legs un- 
discovered. Without, all was still and quiet, except the gentle mur- 
mur of the river at the rapids about a mile below. At this moment 
the Indians softly approached the door of his tent, and slightly re- 
moving the curtain, contemplated the venerable man, too deeply 
engaged in the subject of his thoughts to notice either their approach, 
or the snake which lay extended before him. At a sight like this, 
even the heart of the savage shrunk from the idea of committing so 
horrid an act, and quitting the spot, they hastily returned to the 
town, and informed their companions that the Great Spirit protected 
the white man, for they had found him with no door but a blanket, 
and had seen a large rattlesnake crawl over his legs without at- 
tempting to injure him. This circumstance, together with the arri- 
val soon afterwards of Conrad Weiser, procured Zinzendorf the 
friendship and confidence of the Indians, and probably contributed 
essentially towards inducing many of them, at a subsequent period, 
to embrace the Christian Religion. The Count having spent twenty 
days at Wyoming, returned to Bethlehem, a town then building by 
his christian brethren on the north bank of the Lehigh, about eleven 
miles from its junction with the Delaware." 

Count Zinzendorf, learning the supremacy claimed and exercised 
by the Six Nations, applied to their chiefs for leave to visit the 



40 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

Indian villages, and instruct the natives in the doctrines of repent- 
ance and salvation, through the merits of the Saviour. 

He could not have been received and replied to with more polite- 
ness, at the most refined court in Europe. The answer is so beauti- 
ful in its simple, yet dignified eloquence, that I take pleasure in tran- 
scribing it. 

" Brother, you have made a long journey over the seas to preach 
the Gospel to the white people and to the Indians. You did not 
know that we were here, and we knew nothing of you. This pro- 
ceeds from above. Come therefore to us, both you and your brethren. 
We bid you welcome among us. Take this fathom of wampum, in 
confirmation of the truth of our words.." 

The Moravians who had established themselves at Bethlehem, 
were indefatigable in their labour of love to Christianize the Indians. 
Neither the heats of summer, winter's storms, the dangers of the en- 
tangled forests, nor the toil in ascending precipitous mountains, could 
check the holy enthusiasm of the missionaries. Eight or ten made 
themselves masters of the Indian languages, with their kindred dia- 
lects, that they might be understood. Two bishops, Cammerhoff and 
t)e Watteville traversed the wilderness on foot, visited the various 
tribes and settlements along the Susquehanna, preaching the Saviour 
and exhorting to repentance ; the former sacrificing his life, by 
exposure, to the behests of duty. So that in Wyoming, the earliest 
European accents that were heard, were accents of peace and love, 
breathing of grace, and redolent of mercy. It is now about an hun- 
dred years since these pious missionaries penetrated to this, then 
remote valley, and for thirty years afterwards, uncultivated wilder- 
ness. 

There is pleasure in casting the eye of imagination back, and 
beholding the learned bishops, with the zeal and eloquence of Paul, 
at Athens, (How different the scene !) proclaiming to the children of 
Nature, " The unknown God, whom ye ignorantly worship. Him, 
declare I unto you." 

A large number of converts, whom persecution had compelled to 
fly from their homes, removed from the eastern borders of New York 
to be near the Brethren, who had purchased land, and made an esta- 
blishment for them, above the water-gap of the Lehigh, at the con- 
fluence of the Mahony and that stream, opposite to Fort Allen. The 
name given the place, was Gnadenhutten, or Huts of Mercy. Ex- 
cept the erection of the fort, this was the first settlement in a north 
direction, in Pennsylvania, above the Kittatinny Ridge or Blue 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 41 

Mountain. The village was eighteen miles above Bethlehem, and on 
the warrior's path, about forty miles, southerly, through a most 
inhospitable wilderness, from Wyoming. For several years the set- 
tlement flourished. Agriculture opened to them the stores of plenty; 
while moral culture and religious hope imparted cheerfulness ; and 
the whole seemed to be pervaded by the " sunshine of the breast." 
In 1752, the Huts of Mercy numbered five hundred souls. In the 
midst of these pleasing scenes of present peace and anticipated enjoy- 
ment, they were visited by a deputation of Nanticokes and other 
Indians, from Wyoming, consisting of more than a hundred persons, 
ostensibly on a mission of peace, with whom a solemn league of 
mutual friendship was entered into, after which their numerous, per- 
haps not very welcome visiters, returned to the valley. Doubtless, 
they were spies, sent by the Iroquois; their large number, with 
exquisite art, concealing the purpose of the journey. The way tra- 
veled, being the warrior's path, thirty or forty young savages, before 
ignorant of the route, might unsuspectedly attend such an embassy, 
apparently of friendship, and on the passage receive the instruction 
of the old braves, who must have led the party, preparatory to being 
sent themselves, on expeditions against the inhabitants below. 

In consequence of this mission, (and probable message) about eighty 
of the Christian Indians, under Tedeuscung, a Delaware chief, 
already of some note, and destined to appear more conspicuously on 
another page, accompanied the party back to the Susquehanna, and 
established their lodges at Wyoming. 

This step was taken as a preparatory measure to the old French 
war. The sequel is full of stirring and painful events. 



LETTER IV. 



Old French War — Influence upon Wyoming — Paxinos — Second Mission to Moravian 
Christian Indians, at Gnadenhutten — Evasive answer — Terrible threat — Paxinos' CLueen 
converted — Massacre at Fort Augusta — Melancholy massacre of Moravians — Cunning 
and success of Iroquois at Fort Allen — Kings Tadame and Tedeuscung — Grand Council 
at Easton — Murder of the Governor's messenger, Charles Thompson — Second Congress 
at Easton — Peace agreed upon. 



With the movements of France and England, the two chief mari- 
time nations of Europe, the destinies of this distant and secluded 
valley were, for many years, so intimately blended, that a rapid 
exposition of their policy, on this continent, may not be regarded as 
foi'eign to the purpose of these pages. In 1603, France granted a 
charter for a large portion of North America. Two years after- 
ward, charters of extensive limits were granted by England. At a 
very early period, France commenced settlements upon the north- 
eastern coast, on the waters of the St. Lawrence, and on the Missis- 
sippi ; while England began to plant colonies on tlie whole line of the 
Atlantic shore, from the St. Croix to St. Mary's. Sharp collisions 
arose. Each endeavoured to enlist the Indians in their respective 
quarrels. To the keen encounter of opposing interests, was added 
the exciting rivalry of towering ambition, national pride, hereditary 
hate, and personal revenge. Increasing knowledge of the dormant 
wealth, and extensive resources of America, gave tenfold impulse to 
all their passions. 

While the centre was rapidly peopling under the auspices of Eng- 
land, France, actuated by a policy vast as her ambition, pursued with 
a vigour worthy of her power, was endeavouring to limit and over- 
awe the British settlements by a cordon of forts, from Quebec, along 
the St. Lawrence, at Montreal, Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, Du Quesne, 
on the Ohio, and onward, embracing the most defensible points to 
the delta of the Mississippi. The design was grand — the execution 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 43 

L,pirited. The savages, formerly in amity with the British, but now 
favorably disposed to the French, who had promised to restore the 
country taken from them by the English, were excited by the defeat of 
Braddock, in 1754, to enter with redoubled zeal into the war against 
the colonies. The hatchet was unburied — the war knife was unsheath- 
ed, and the remorseless furies of Indian war were let loose along a thou- 
sand miles of defenceless frontier. The mighty genius of Pitt guided 
the destinies of England ; but the rising glories of his administration 
had not yet dawned upon this continent, and the Iroquois, confident 
in their own prowess, and reposing implicit faith in the power, if not 
the promises of the French, pushed the war with unceasing vigilance 
along the whole line of their widely extended empire. Contracting 
our view to the limited range of our appropriate subject, we proceed 
with our narrative. 

The spring following the first visit to the Christian Indians, at 
Gnadenhutten, (i. e. 1753,) to their great consternation, there came 
a second band from Wyoming, consisting of twenty-three persons, 
under the chief command of Paxinos, a Shawanese chief, or king, of 
some distinction, accompanied by three Iroquois ambassadors, who 
desired the whole settlement at Gnadenhutten to remove to Wyo- 
ming. Not only were they indisposed to yield obedience to the un- 
reasonable mandate, but relying, probably, on the promises and 
power of the Brethren, and the contiguity of Fort Allen, for pro- 
tection against their ancient conquerors and detested tyrants, several 
ventured to make replies, little calculated to conciliate their haughty 
masters. 

" What can the chiefs of the Six Nations give me in exchange for 
my souH" said one. " They never consider how that will fare!" 
" God who made and saved me, can protect me," replied another. 
" I am not afraid of the wrath of man, for not one hair of my head can 
fall to the ground without his will !" — Another, with still greater 
confidence, declared to the ambassadors, " If even one of them 
should lift up his hatchet against me, and say, " Depart from the 
Lord and the Brethren, I would not do it." Somewhat tart, if not 
taunting replies. These decisive, and especially the latter peremp- 
tory refusal, roused the chiefs to anger, when the terrible answer, 
before quoted, was given. " The Great Head, i. e. the Council at 
Onondago, speak the truth and lie not. They rejoice that some 
believing Indians had moved to Wayomick ; but now they lift up the 
remaining Mohickans and Delawares, and set them down also in 
Wayomick ; for there a fire is kindled for them, and where they may 



44 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

plant and think on God. But if they will not hear, the Great Head 
loill come and clean their ears luith a red hot pokei\^'* 

Paxinos, who delivered this message, then turned to the missiona- 
ries, and in a grave and solemn manner, earnestly demanded of them, 
says the Historian, " not to hinder their converts from removing to 
Wayomick." 

The wife of Paxinos had accompanied him, and either through the 
Divine Power, or, what in this instance is more probable, the subtle 
policy of the Iroquois, and the command of her husband, was, or 
affected to become converted, was baptised, and admitted a member 
of the congregation. A Shawanese queen might be presumed to 
have great influence in inducing the Christian Indians to yield to 
the earnest wishes of the Six Nations, and return under their au- 
thority and protection ! 

The first blow struck by the savages, sufficiently near to be con- 
nected with Wyoming, was in the neighborhood of Shamokin, (after- 
wards Fort Augusta, now Sunbury.) The Moravians had a small 
mission there ; and as it was ever a rule of action of that excellent 
people to do all the good in their power, they had sent out with the 
minister, a blacksmith with his tools. Thus religion and the useful 
arts, advanced hand in hand together. None of the Moravians were 
injured;! but fourteen white persons were murdered and scalped. 
The date is not precisely stated, but it was after Braddock's defeat, 
in 1754, and previous to November, 1755, probably in the summer 
of the last named year. 

Hostilities commenced, the reader cannot doubt but the settlement 
at Gnadenhutten was marked for vengeance. " Late in the evening 
of the 24th November, 1755," we copy from the Christian Library, 
" while the missionaries were at supper, their attention was suddenly 
aroused by the continual barking of dogs, which was followed by the 
report of a gun. On opening the door of the mission house, they 

* It is stated that this order did not originate with the Great Council, at Onondago, hut 
with the Oneida tribe, and warlike Mohicans and Delawares. A total misconception. 
The Mohicans and Delawares were slaves. It is probable, that to the Oneidas was assigned 
the duty; for that nation, as we have seen, formerly had their head-quarters at Wyoming : 
and from policy, they may have made the Mohicans and Delawares, the agents to do their 
will. But nothing was done that had not the sanction of the confederacy. 

t Let it not be supposed the savages struck at random. The war party had, doubtless, 
their precise orders. The Moravians had probably conciliated the friendship of the great 
chief Shikellimus, the Vice Roy of the Iroquois, while resident of Shamokin. Indeed their 
settlement at that place had been made by his express desire. Learning the situation of the 
Brethren, Paxinos sent from Wyoming his two sons to conduct them in safety to Bethlehem. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 45. 

observed a party of hostile Indians standing before the house, with 
their pieces pointed towards the door. On its being opened, they 
immediately fired, and Martin Nitschman was killed on the spot. 
His wife and some others were wounded, but ran up stairs into the 
garret, and barricaded the door with bedsteads. Hither the savages 
pursued them ; but, not being able to force open the door, they set 
fire to the house, which was soon enveloped in flames. Two of the 
brethren had previously made their escape, by jumping out of the 
back window; and a boy leaped down from the flaming roof, 
though not till one of his cheeks had been grazed by a ball, and his 
hand much burned. Sister Partsch, whose husband had escaped out 
of the window, likewise ventured to leap down from the burning 
roof. Unobserved by the enemy, she hid herself behind a tree, on 
rising ground, from whence she had a full view of the tragical scene. 
Brother Fabricious, in attempting to make his escape in the same 
manner, was perceived by the Indians, and instantly wounded by 
two balls. They then seized him, and having despatched him with 
their hatchets, took his scalp, and left him dead on the ground. 
Eleven persons, belonging to the mission, were burned alive ; among 
whom, was a child only fifteen months old. Sister Senseman, 
already surrounded by the flames, was heard to exclaim: " Tis all 
loell, dear Saviour! I expected nothing else." The murderers now 
set fire to the barns and stables, by which all the corn, hay, and 
cattle were consumed ; and, having made a hearty meal^ they 
departed." 

" This melancholy occurrence proved the deliverance of the Chris- 
tian Indians ; for, upon hearing the report of guns, seeing the flames, 
and learning the dreadful cause from those who escaped, they oflTered 
to attack the enemy without delay ; but, being advised to the con- 
trary, they all fled into the woods, and the settlement was thus in a 
few minutes cleared of its inhabitants. By the exertions and per- 
suasions of the missionary, Shebosh, who, alone, remained at Gna- 
denhutten, most of the fugitive converts returned the next day. 
They now hoped to remain in safety, as, in consequence of a petition 
presented by the Brethren, at Bethlehem, the Governor of Pennsyl- 
vania sent a party of soldiers into these parts for the protection of 
the Christian Indians and the country in general. But, on New 
Year's day, 1756, the savages attacked these troops, set fire to the 
settlement, and laid waste all the plantations, by which both the 
congregation and the missionaries were reduced to the greatest 
poverty." 



46 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

We add a few anecdotes, gleaned from various sources. The 
troops sent up by the Government, of course, occupied Fort Allen ; 
and for recreation, amused themselves with skating. It is no part 
of savage warfare to attack ramparts of stone, defended by ordnance; 
but in the stratagems of war, the soldiers were no match for the 
trained and wily Iroquois. Thus one or two Indians were, for some 
time, seen unguardedly skating too, on the frozen bosom of the 
Lehigh, but at a distance. At length a party left the Fort to 
surprise them ; when, with seeming carelessness, they would first 
approach, and then extend their playful race, further and further. 
Thus, by degrees, drawing the party of whites beyond the reach of 
protection or retreat. — The scheme succeeded. Suddenly, from an 
ambush, cracked the deadly rifle — a yell arose — a large party rushed 
forth to seize the scalps of the slain, — scarcely one returned to the 
fort unhurt. Then, as if satisfied with their trophies, they gave the 
garrison to understand, (probably by a wounded prisoner, released 
on purpose,) that they were about to retire, threatening to return 
the next year, and skate with them again. Taking up their march 
on the war path, they left a strongly marked trail, as far as their ene- 
mies would be apt to pursue ; when, returning by another unfre- 
quented route, they again lay in ambush, waiting patiently, enduring 
the extremity of cold, rather than hazard exposure by kindling fires. 
At length, confidence being restored, the garrison went out and in, 
hunting or hauling wood, as if no enemy were within an hundred 
miles. Fatal security! The Indians again fell upon them, and made 
such slaughter, that the troops abandoned their fort, and fled below 
the mountains for safety, leaving a rich prize of booty to their emi- 
nently superior enemy. 

War was formally proclaimed by Great Britain against France, 
in 1756, when, if possible, a renewed impulse was given to 
savage ferocity. As our purpose is only to record those events 
which are more immediately connected with Wyoming, we com- 
mend the bloody narrative of desolation, in Western Pennsylva- 
nia, to some abler hand. The writer should visit each interesting 
location, and gather from the children of the sufferers, every 
particular which tradition has handed down, and faithful memory 
preserved. 

On the death of Tadame, treacherously murdered, but by whom, 
or for what cause, we find no record, Tedeuscung was elected king 
of the Delawares, at Wyoming; "a lusty, rawboned man," says 
Major Parsons, " but haughty, and very desirous of respect and 



H I S T O R Y P , . . w X,. 1 X. G . 47 

command. He was born near Trenton, in 1705, and was now about 
fifty years old." 

The Pennsylvania Government, anxious to conciliate the Indians, 
invited the various nations to a council, which was accordingly held 
at Easton, commencing on the 8th of November, 1756. Imposing 
ceremonies, both for state and security, were kept up throughout, the 
negotiations. At three o'clock. Governor Dennie marched from his 
lodgings, to the place of Conference, guarded by a party of the royal 
Americans, in front and on the flanks, and a detachment of Col. 
Weiser's Provincials, in subdivisions in the rear, with colours flying, 
drums beating, and music playing ; which order was always observed 
in going to the place where the Council was held. 

Tedeuscung, who had been accompanied from Wyoming, by most 
of his principal warriors, performed the part of chief speaker on this 
occasion, for all the tribes present, as he had done at the preceding 
conferences. He is represented to have supported the rights and 
claims of the Indians in a dignified and spirited manner. Tedeus- 
cung, in his talk before the Council, said in substance as follows : — 
" There are many reasons why the Indians have ceased to be the 
friends of the English. They had never been satisfied with the 
conduct of the English after the treaty of 1737, when their fathers, 
Tishekunk and Nutimus, sold them the lands upon the Delaware : 
that although the rights of the purchase were to extend " as 
fa}- as a man can go in a day and a half,^^ from Neshamony 
creek, yet the man who was appointed to go over the ground, 
did not walk, but ran ; and it was also expected he would go 
along the bank of the river, which he did not, but went in a 
straight line ; and because they had been unwilling to give up 
the land to the English, as far as the walk extended, the Go- 
vernor who then had the command in Pennsylvania, sent for their 
cousins, the Six Nations, who had always been hard masters to 
them, to come down and drive them from the land. — That when the 
Six Nations did come down, they met them at the Governor's house, 
in Philadelphia, in 1742, with the view of explaining, why they did 
not give up the land ; but the English made so many presents to the 
Six Nations, that they would hear no explanation from the Dela- 
wares, and the Chief of the Council of the Six Nations (Canassatego,) 
abused them, and called them women. The Six Nations had, how- 
ever, given to them and the Shawanese, the country upon the 
Juniata, for a hunting ground, and had so informed the Governor ; 
but notwithstanding this, the latter permitted the whites to go and 



48 HISTORYOFWYOMING. 

settle upon those lands. That two years before, the Governor had 
been to Albany, to buy more of the lands of the Six Nations, and 
had described their purchase by points of compass, which they did 
not understand, including not only the Juniata, but also the West 
Branch of the Susquehanna, which the Indians did not intend to 
sell ; and when all these things were known, they declared they 
would no longer be friends to the English, who were trying to get 
all their country from them. 

He assured the Council, that they were glad to meet their old 
friends, the English, to smoke the pipe of peace with them, and 
hoped that justice would be done to them, for all the injuries they 
had received. This Conference continued nine days, during which 
time, all matters of difference were considered, and the Shawanese 
and Delawares, the two principal tribes, became reconciled to the 
English, with whom they concluded a treaty of peace." 

Tedeuscung, you will perceive, bore at this Council a conspicuous 
part. Treaties of friendship were entered into with the Shawanese. 
and Delawares — presents were received — smoke from the calumet 
ascended to the skies to bear aloft the record of reconciliation ; and 
the vain and flattered king returned in proud triumph to the valley. 
It was his day of glory — bright but brief. In my view of the vas- 
salage of these nations, the treaty, of course, I regard as nugatory, 
except so far as it might operate to awaken hopes of Independence, 
and tend to detach the Delawares from their conquerors. The con- 
tract needed the approbation of the " Gread Head at Onondago." 
We incline to believe the measure had been adopted, independently 
of their wishes, they being then, with their warriors, extremely 
engaged, if not severely pressed, in other quarters. What strengthens 
this opinion, are the facts, that almost immediately after the treaty, 
murders were committed below the Blue Mountains, which the 
Wyoming Indians solemnly disavowed ; and when the Governor sent 
Mr. Hill on a message to Tedeuscung, he was waylaid on his jour- 
ney from Minisink to the valley, by the Iroquois, and murdered. 
Indeed, Heckewelder"' states that the Delawares assured him those 
murders were committed by the Six Nations, to prevent the effects 
of the treaty. Charles Thompson, then a respected, since, a most 
venerable name, was present, and acted as one of the Secretaries 
during the negotiations. The fact he stated to the writer, at Lan- 
caster, in 1808, where Mr. Thompson, being on business pending 
before the Assembly, spent part of the winter, and boarded at the 
same house. He further related, that Tedeuscung, pleased with 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 4g 

what he considered as the candour and fairness of Mr. T., adopted 
him as a member of the Delaware nation, and gave him a name, 
signifying, " He who speaks the Truth." After the breaking up of 
Council, Mr. Thompson, in compliance with the wishes of the Go- 
vernment, and an invitation from the king, accompanied him to Wyo- 
ming. When, pursuing the Indian path, (near the route of the pre- 
sent turnpike) they came to the top of the first mountain which over- 
looks the valley, the king expressed fears lest there might be danger 
below, (dreading, I apprehend, a visit from the Iroquois.) Mr. 
Thompson, and all the train, but one or two, who accompanied the 
king, turned down southwesterly from the path, and sought repose 
for the night, while the cautious chief went in, to reconnoitre; but he 
returned early the next morning, reporting that all was well. 
Mr. T. spoke of the valley as a delightful spot. " He did not won- 
der at the contest waged for its possession." In respect to the subse- 
quent massacre of the first settlers, he gave me a fact, and an opinion, 
which, not being recorded at the time, though indelibly imprinted 
on my memory, I think it more prudent to omit than to tell. 

But the Government of Pennsylvania knew too well the import- 
ance of having the assent of the Six Nations, to rest satisfied with 
the treaty as made. 

The influence of Sir William Johnson, agent for Indian affairs, 
was invoked to bring the Six Nations to a new Congress. Neither 
presents nor promises were spared, and in October 1758, there was 
opened at Easton, one of the most imposing assemblages ever beheld 
in Pennsylvania. Chiefs from the Six Nations were there, namely, 
Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagos, Cayugas, Senecas, and Tuscaroras. 
There were also present ambassadors from the tributary tribes of 
Nanticokes, Canoys, Tuteloes, Chenangoes, Dela wares, Unamies, 
Minisinks, Mohicans, Wapingers, and Shawanese. Both the Gover- 
nors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, attended ; with Sir William 
Johnson, and George Crogan, Esq., sub-Indian agent, a deputation 
from the Provincial Assembly at New Jersey, and a large concourse 
of eminent citizens from Philadelphia, and the neighboring counties. 
All the military pomp and parade exhibited at the previous treaty, 
were here renewed with additional ceremonies; and our intelligent 
neighbours of that flourishing town, should cause a splendid histori- 
cal painting to be executed commemorative of an event so imposing, 
and so important in their annals. 

Tedeuscung, on the way to the Conference, having fallen in com- 
pany with the chief w^ho had commanded the expedition against 
4 



50 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Gnadenhutten and Fort Allen, high words arose between them, when 
the king raised his tomahawk and laid the chief dead at his feet. 
From this moment, though vengeance might slumber, he was a 
doomed man, a sacrifice alike to policy and revenge. 

At the Congress, Tedeuscung, eloquent, and of imposing address, 
took at first a decided lead in the debates. But one of the chiefs of 
the Six Nations, says Chapman, " on the other hand expressed in 
strong language his resentment against the British Colonists, who 
had killed and imprisoned some of his tribe, and he, as well as other 
chiefs of those Nations, took great umbrage at the importance assum- 
ed by Tedeuscung, whom, as one of the Delawares, they considered 
in some degree subject to their authority. Tedeuscung, however, 
supported the high station which he held, with dignity and firmness, 
and the different Indian tribes at length became reconciled to each 
other. The Conference having continued eighteen days, and all 
causes of misunderstanding between the English and Indians being 
removed, a general peace was concluded on the twenty-sixth day of 
October. At this treaty the boundaries of the different purchases 
made from the Indians were more particularly described, and they 
received an additional compensation for their lands, consisting of 
knives, hats, caps, looking glasses, tobacco-boxes, shears, gun locks, 
combs, clothes, shoes, stockings, blankets, and several suits of laced 
clothes for their chieftains, and when the business of the treaty was 
completed, the stores of rum were opened, and distributed to the 
Indians, who soon exhibited a scene of brutal intoxication." 

Great oftence, it appears, was given to the ambassadors of the Six 
Nations at the consequence assumed, and the forward part taken by 
Tedeuscung; and yet no immediate measures were adopted to chas- 
tise his supposed contumacy. A solution of what might otherwise 
seem difficult, both in his more bold, independent conduct, and the 
forbearance of the Iroquois, may be found in the fact, that the power 
of their allies was already sensibly shaken, and Great Britain was 
preparing with unexampled vigour to drive the French from this 
continent. Fort William was taken in 1757 ; Louisburg surren- 
dered to their victorious arms in the summer of 1758; and far more 
important to the Iroquois, as it was almost in the heart of the do- 
minions claimed by them, the shame of Braddock's defeat was washed 
out, and Fort Du Quesne, (afterwards named Fort Pitt,) had sur- 
rendered to the English the February preceding the October of 1758, 
when the Conferences at Easton were holden. That event was a 
fatal blow to the widely extended claim of power on the part of the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 5i 

confederacy; although the Council fire at Onondago was for many 
years after numerously surrounded by bold and ambitious chiefs and 
renowned warriors.* 

* The Six Nations, with instinctive sagacity seeing the rapid extinction of French power, 
withdrew, as we have noted, from the contest. War between England and France still 
raged, the colonies performing for the mother country, all that zeal, hardihood and courage 
could accomplish. As our story is little further connected with the French war, we may 
here, though in advance of our dates, state; — That Cluebec was taken Sept. 13, 1759. The 
battle on Abraham's plains, between Wolf and Montcalm, is perhaps rendered more fami- 
liar to the American reader than any other event of the contest, by the popular song, 

" In a mouldering cave, where the wretched retreat," &c. 

Niagara, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point, surrendered the same year. Montreal in 1760. 
The Moro Castle, in 1762. In this hazardous, but successful enterprise, a company of pro-; / 
vincials, commanded by Capt. Z. Butler, shared the danger and glory. Peace was conclu- . ^-^ 
ded in 1763 ; France yielding all the northern part of the continent to the victorious arms 
and councils of Great Britain, guided by Pitt. 



LETTEE Y. 



Renewed efforts to Christianize Wyoming Indiana — Pleasing success — Wyalusing — Mur- 
der of King Tedeuscung — First Connecticut Settlement^Their massacre and expul- 
sion — Expedition under Col. Boyd to Wyoming — John and Emanuel Hoover — Removal 
of Christian Indians to the Ohio — Exposition of an important matter. 



The peace concluded at Easton, allows us but a moment's respite 
from the record of war and crime. Turning to more congenial 
themes, we seize the moment and trace with pleasure, the progress 
of the Moravians in propagating the Gospel among the Indians. A 
large number of the Delaware nation were established in the valley. 
Waughwawame, their principal town, being situated not far below 
the site now occupied by Wilkesbarre. Though suffering many pri- 
vations, the zeal of the missionaries did not cool ; neither did their 
faith waver, nor their efforts relax : their souls seemed to glow with 
a divine ardour ; success crowned their labours ; several hundred 
Indians received the rite of baptism. Nor was it a mere formal pro- 
fession on their part, for their lives were wholly changed, and the 
moral precepts of the Gospel regulated their conduct, while their 
hearts yielded assent to its doctrines. At Wyalusing, or as it is 
written by the German missionaries, Machwihilusing, a number of 
Christian Indians had united together, without a teacher, for pur- 
poses of worship, and thither the Rev. David Zeisberger repaired, 
and became their pastor. Under his wise direction, the settlement 
soon assumed a very pleasing aspect. Order, industry and neatness 
were established; lands were cleared and fenced. Grain, cattle, 
horses, poultry, every sort of useful stock were introduced, and 
schools were opened for the education of Indian children. A bell, 
the first, probably, ever heard in Pennsylvania, north of the Kitta- 
tinny mountains, sounded from the chapel, calling the Indians to 
worship. Methinks, as its tones, loud and clear, vibrated on the 
undulating air, and were borne by the breeze beyond the hills, to the 
strange Indian, roaming the forest or approaching the place, the 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 53 

sound must have come like a spirit's voice, a death knell to his race, 
awakening special v^^onder. 

Three years thus passed, the settlement flourishing; a rose in a 
desert, and giving the highest promise of future usefulness, when the 
sudden outbreak of Indian war reached their ears, and created the 
utmost alarm. It had been a delusive hour of sunshine in the midst 
of a gathering storm. Strange as it may appear, though near the 
Iroquois, and in daily intercourse with them, the missionaries had 
not the least intimation of their purposes against the white settle- 
ments. When hostilities commenced, Mr. Zeisberger, and the other 
preachers, were left unmolested. But imminent danger threatening 
the Christian Indians, near Bethlehem, occasioned the recall of the 
pious missionary, and he attended them from that place to Phila- 
delphia, whither they were sent for safety from the fury of the 
exasperated frontier inhabitants, who had been led to believe, 
notwithstanding their religious professions, that the Moravian In- 
dians were guilty of the cruel murders perpetrated upon their 
friends. 

In the mean time, Wyoming was the theatre of highly interesting 
events. In a previous letter, I have stated the belief that king 
Tedeuscung was doomed, sooner or later, to destruction. Indian 
revenge may sleep, but never dies ; the hour may be postponed for 
months or years, but at last will come as sure as fate. Tedeuscung, 
besides the independent airs assumed at Easton, had slain with his 
own hand the chief who commanded the Iroquois war party in their 
devastation of Gnadenhutten. War upon the whites being now 
renewed, it is not improbable that the king may have declined to 
lead his tribe to battle. Certain, however, it is, that for some time 
several of the Six Nations had been visiting at Wyoming, without 
any ostensible object, mingling, socially, with the Delawares, and 
appearing on friendly terms with the old chief. Whiskey had been 
obtained, which, when in his power, the Indian propensity was too 
strong to be resisted, and he drank until inebriation overpowered his 
senses, and he lay sleeping in his wigwam, scarcely conscious of life, 
and wholly unsuspicious of danger. In the dead of the night, on the 
19th of April, 1763, the hut of Tedeuscung, and twenty of the sur- 
rounding dwellings burst, almost at the same moment, into flames, 
and thus the great Delavrare king miserably perished. 

Indian cunning ascribed the murder to the New England people, 
who were just commencing settlements in the valley. 



54 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

It is sufficient to say, in the absence of the slightest evidence, that 
such a measure on their part would have been a compound of wick- 
edness and folly, so stupid and base, that it cannot be supposed 
true, for a moment. Surrounded by Savages, far removed from the 
whites, their policy was too obvious to be mistaken, namely, to con- 
ciliate the Indians, by every fair means. The charge was made in 
far deeper malevolence than mere wanton mischief, for the destruc- 
tion of the Connecticut settlers had also been resolved upon by the 
Six Nations. 

The preceding year, that is, in 1762, a considerable number of 
emigrants had arrived in the valley from Connecticut. After sow- 
ing grain, they returned to their families, with whom, early the fol- 
lowing Spring, they came back, prepared to establish themselves 
permanently, bringing their stock, household furniture, indeed, it 
is most probable, all they possessed on earth. Strange to say, 
although my inquiries have been faithfully pursued, wherever the 
least prospect existed of obtaining information, they have proved 
fruitless, and I am unable to state from what towns in Connecticut 
they came, or who were their principal leaders. Their town was 
built nearer the river than the Indian village of Maughwawame, on 
the flats, below Wilkesbarre. The season had been favorable ; their 
various crops on those fertile plains had proved abundant, and they 
were looking forward, with hope, to scenes of prosperity and happi- 
ness ; but suddenly, without the least warning, on the 15th of Octo- 
ber, a large party of savages raised the war whoop, and attacked 
them with fury. Unprepared for resistance, about twenty men fell, 
and were scalped ; the residue, men, women and children fled, in 
wild disorder, to the mountains. Language cannot describe the 
sufferings of the fugitives, as they traversed the wilderness, destitute 
of food or clothing, on their way to their former homes. 

Mr. Chapman states, that Col. James Boyd, ordered by Gov. 
Hamilton, repaired to Wyoming, found the valley abandoned by the 
Indians, who had scalped those whom they had killed, and carried 
away their captives and plunder. The bodies of the slain lay 
strewed upon the field, and Col. Boyd having caused them to be 
decently interred, withdrew with his detachment down the river. 
I am not able to reconcile this with certain information derived from 
the Rev. Mr. Elder's correspondence with Gov. Hamilton. 

Extract of a letter from John Elder to the Governor, dated 
Paxton, 30th September, 1763. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 55 

" As a number of volunteers from this county, on the return of 
Col. Armstrong, design to scout a little way into the enemy's coun- 
try, our troops would gladly join the volunteers, if it's agreeable to 
your Honour ; and as that favour, they imagine has been granted 
the troops on the other side of the Susquehanna, they flatter them- 
selves it will not be refused these two companies. Their principal 
view is to destroy the immense quantities of corn left by the New 
England men at Wyoming, which, if not consumed, will be a con- 
siderable magazine to the enemy, and enable them, with more ease, 
to distress the inhabitants, etc." How the corn of the New England 
settlers could be spoken of September '63, as " left," those people 
being then in undisturbed possession, I cannot conceive, unless it 
was a delicate mode of covering their purpose, by cutting off their 
means of subsistence, to expel them. 

Lieut. Gov. Hamilton, under date, Philadelphia, October 5th, '63, 
answers : — 

"With regard to what you mention, touching an expedition into 
the Indian's country, I could have no objection to their scouting 
as far as Wyoming, and destroying the corn, if any left there," etc. ; 
but positively prohibits the troops destroying the Indian Wya- 
lusing settlement, which was contemplated. 

Another letter from Gov. Hamilton, is dated, Oct. 10th, 1763 : — 

" Having wrote to you a few days ago, I should not have any 
thing to add at this time, but for a letter the Commissioners and I 
have received from Mr. Robert Callender, acquainting us that 
Major Clayton has applied to him to furnish provisions for two hun- 
dred men, for twenty days, by which it is conceived that he hath an 
intention of going upon some expedition against the Indians, without 
having communicated the same to me, and received my approbation. 
A step I can by no means approve in an officer bearing the king's 
commission," etc. 

On the 17th October, Commander Elder, writes : — 

'* Your favour of the 10th, I received last night, and am sorry 
to find that our proceedings are any way disagreeable to the Legis- 
lature. Our two companies, fired with resentment, on hearing the 
barbarities committed by the savages, and willing to serve their 
country to the utmost of their pov/er, signified to me their strong 
desire to join in any expedition that might be undertaken against 
the common enemy. And encouraged by your acquainting me that, 
' you had no objection against our destroying the corn left at Wyo- 



56 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ming, I ordered them to proceed on that service ; strictly prohibit- 
ing them, in obedience to your Honour's command, to make any 
attack on Wialusing. The party, though small, set out from Hun- 
ter's, last Tuesday, in high spirits ; so that it is impossible to sus- 
pend the expedition now, as the troops are, by this time, advanced, 
I doubt not, as far as Wyoming. What success they may have, I 
knovsr not ; but if they destroy the corn and improvements made 
there, by the New England men, to the great displeasure of the 
Indians, and in contempt of your Honour's authority, and can hap- 
pily intercept the murdering party on their return from Northamp- 
ton, I presume it will be of considerable service." 

Commander Elder again writes to the Governor, under date, 
Paxton, 25th October, 1763. 

" I acquainted your Honour, the 17th instant, that it was impossi- 
ble to suspend the Wyoming expedition ; the party is now returned, 
and I shall not trouble your Honour with any account of their pro- 
ceedings, as Major Clayton informs me he transmitted to you, from 
Fort Augusta, a particular account of all their transactions, from 
their setting out from Hunter's, till they returned to Augusta. The 
mangled carcasses of those unhappy creatures, who had settled there, 
presented to our troops a most melancholy scene, which had been 
acted not above two days before their arrival ; and by the way the 
savages came to Wyoming, it appears they were the same party 
that committed the ravages in Northampton county," etc. 

Thus it would seem the expedition of Col. Clayton to Wyoming, 
was principally intended to destroy the grain " left" by the New 
England people, and also, their improvements. The Indians, two 
days before, had effectually prevented any resistance. The corn and 
buildings left, were now given up to destruction.* 

Did not Col. Clayton bury the dead ? It is impossible to believe 
otherwise of a gallant soldier ! 

* Frovi the Pennsylvania Gazette, Nov. 1763. 

Extract of a letter from Paxton, in Lancaster County, dated Oct. 23d.— " Our party, un- 
der Capt. Clayton, has returned from Wyoming, where they met with no Indians, but found 
the New Englanders, who had been killed, and scalped a day or two before they got there. 
They buried the dead, nine men and a woman, who had been most cruelly butchered ; the 
woman was roasted, and had two hinges in her hands, supposed to be put in red hot, and 
several of the men had awls thrust into their eyes ; and spears, arrows, pitchforks, etc., stick- 
ing in their bodies. They burnt what houses the Indians had left, and destroyed a quantity 
of Indian corn. The enemy's tracks were up the river, towards Wighaloasing." 

[I am indebted for this Extract, to my friend Mr, Jordan. The cruel torture might have 
been inferred ; but before, was unknown to me.] 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. SY 

Was Col. Boyd with him 1 There could not have been two Colo- 
nels, with two hundred men ! 

Capt. Lazarus Stewart was, probably, in command of one of the 
companies. It is not a little curious to anticipate. Col. Clayton 
and Capt. Stewart once more met at Wyoming, nearly ten years 
afterwards ; the former, again, on an expedition to destroy the Yan- 
kee settlement — while Stewart was defending them. 

Col. Stone supposes this deed to have been perpetrated by the 
Delawares, in revenge for the death of Tedeuscung, while our con- 
victions are clear, that it was the work of the same hands that slew 
the king. Two men, named John and Emanuel Hoover, were at 
work upon a chimney, being built in a house on the flats, when they 
were made prisoners by the Indians, who had already another cap- 
tive with them. The Indians immediately took the path northward, 
and ascending the hill, near where the Plains School House stands, 
in Wilkesbarre, they met a man coming down, thoughtless of dan- 
der, carrying a small bundle in his hand. Instantly surrounding 
him, they drew their spears, and before he had time to beg for life, 
or cry, " God have mercy on my soul," thrust him through, and he 
fell, covered with wounds; after scalping him they marched on. 
They took their prisoners to near where Geneva now stands, in the 
settlements of the Six Nations ; from whence John Hoover and the 
other prisoner, whose name we do not know, attempted to make 
their escape ;* — the latter found his way to the white settlement at 



* The following is from Mr. Stone's "Work, p. 135 : — " Among the individual incidents 
marking this singular tragedy, was the following : — Some of the fugitives were pursued for 
a time, by a portion of the Indians ; and among them was a settler named Noah Hopkins, 
a wealthy man, from the county of Dutchess, in the state of New York, bordering upon Con- 
necticut. He had disposed of a handsome patrimony in his native town, Armenia, and in- 
vested the proceeds, as a shareholder of the Susquehanna Company, and in making prepa- 
rations for moving to the new colony. Finding, by the sounds, that the Indians were upon 
his trail, after running a long distance, he fortunately discovered the trunk of a large hollow 
tree, upon the ground, into which he crept. After lying there several hours, his apprehen- 
sions of danger were greatly quickened by the tread of footsteps. They approached, and in 
a few moments two or three savages were actually seated upon the log, in consultation. He 
heard the bullets rattle loosely in their pouches. They actually looked into the hollow trunk, 
suspecting that he might be there ; but the examination must have been slight, as they dis- 
covered no traces of his presence. The object of their search, however, in after life, attri- 
buted his escape to the labours of a busy spider, which, after he had crawled into the log, 
had been industriously engaged in weaving a web over the entrance. Perceiving this, the 
Indians supposed, as a matter of course, that the fugitive could not have entered there. This 
is rather ajine spun theory of his escape ; but it was enough for him that he was not disco- 
vered. After remaining in his place of concealment as long as nature could endure the con- 
finement, Hopkins crept forth, wandering in the wilderness, without food, until he was on 



58 HISTORY OP WYOMING, 

Shamokin, and afterwards published, in the state of New York, a 
pamphlet, containing an account of his captivity and sufferings ; a 
copy was in the valley in 1785, but cannot be found. Some time 
after his escape the body of John Hoover was found in the woods, 
he having, it was not doubted, died of fatigue and hunger. His bro- 
ther Emanuel visited Wyoming after the revolutionary war, and 
related the circumstances to Cornelius Courtright, Esq., to whom I 
am indebted for nearly all I have been able to learn of the massacre 
of 1763. From these facts it is plain that the mischief was perpe- 
trated, not by the Delawares, but by the Six Nations. 

After the murder of Tedeuscung, the Christian Indians fled to 
Bethlehem, but upon the restoration of quiet, they returned in 1765 to 
the Susquehanna, and made their resting place again at Wyalusing. 
The people of that now highly cultivated and populous place, we 
cannot doubt, will be pleased to see the description of the Mora- 
vian Indian settlement. "Having, after many toilsome wanderings, 
reached the Susquehanna, they got a few boats, some sailing up the 
river, and others traveling along its banks, and arrived at Machwi- 
hilusing, on the 9th of May, after a journey of five weeks. 

" Having fixed on a convenient spot for a settlement, they imme- 
diately began to erect a town, which, when completed, consisted of 
thirteen Indian huts, and upwards of forty houses built of wood, in 
the European manner, besides a dwelling for the missionaries. In 
the middle of the street, which was eighty feet broad, stood a large 
and neat chapel. The adjoining grounds were laid out into neat 
gardens ; and between the town and the river, about two hundred 

the point of famishing. In this situation, knowing that he could but die, he cautiously stole 
down into the valley again, whence, five days before, he had fled. All was desolation there. 
The crops were destroyed, the cattle gone, and the smouldering brands and embers were 
all that remained of the houses. The Indians had retired, and the stillness of death pre- 
vailed. He roamed about for hours, in search of something to satisfy the cravings of nature, 
fording or swimming the river twice, in his search. At length he discovered the carcass of 
a wild turkey which had been shot on the morning of the massacre, but which had been left 
in the flight. He quickly stripped the bird of its feathers, although it had become somewhat 
offensive by lying in the sun, dressed and washed it in the river, and the first meal he made 
therefrom, was ever afterwards pronounced the sweetest of his life. Upon the strength of 
this turkey, with such roots and herbs as he could gather in his way, he traveled until, 
after incredible hardships, his clothes being torn from his limbs in the thickets he was obliged 
to encounter, and his body badly lacerated — he once more found himself among the dwell- 
ings of civilized men." 

" The facts of this little incidental narrative, were communicated to the author, by Mr. G. F. 
Hopkins, the printer of this present volume, and a nephew of the sufferer, who died at Pitts- 
field, Massachusetts, at a very advanced age, about thirty years ago. He was a very respect- 
able man." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 59 

and fifty acres were divided into regular plantations of Indian corn. 
The burying ground was situated at some distance back of the build- 
ings. Each family had its own boat. To this place, they gave the 
name of Friedenshuetten, (meaning " Huts of Peace.") This new 
settlement soon assumed a very flourishing appearance. The inha- 
bitants were industrious, and dwelt together in peace and unity. 
Many Indians visited the town, admiring the fine situation and good 
order maintained in the place," etc. — Christ. Library. 

At Sheshequin, or as it is written by the Moravians, Tschechshe- 
quauuink, there was a large settlement of Indians, many of whom 
became converts, and the missionary, Rothe, attended to their spi- 
ritual wants, with pious zeal. 

For six years, those two congregations under the guidance of the 
Moravians, continued to flourish in peace ; but many causes now 
combined to render them uneasy in their respective situations. The 
Six Nations had sold the land on which they lived without con- 
sulting them, to the Connecticut people. Neighboring white set- 
tlers persisted in tempting the weaker brethren with spirituous 
liquors ; and more than either, the Delawares on the Ohio were 
anxious they should emigrate and join their religious brethren in the 
West. In consultation with Zeisberger and Heckewelder, at Wyalu- 
sing in 1770, the final decision to remove was adopted, and the suc- 
ceeding year, about 250 Indians from that place set out on their way 
to Ohio, divided into two parties. One chiefly of men, with eighty 
oxen, and other stock in proportion, went through the wilderness, 
suffering great privations and hardships. Another party, with the 
women and children, descended the river in canoes, spent a day at 
their beloved Wyoming, shed a tear over the graves of their buried 
friends, and then departed from their almost worshipped Susque- 
hanna, to return no more forever. The fate of these poor creatures, 
at nearly the close of the Revolutionary war, I am happy it is not 
my painful duty to record.* 

* In his general view of the subject, Col. Stone has expressed, with sufficient distinctness, 
indeed with emphasis, the fact of the mastery, absolute and unqualified, of the Six Nations 
over the Delawares, and neighboring tribes ; but in his details, it appears to me, of the policy 
and conduct of those tribes, a volition and independence is described, incompatible with the 
idea of subserviency and coerced obedience. Hence, like every author who has written in 
relation to those Indians, he leaves the mind perplexed by the statement of unquestionable 
facts, involving inexplicable contradiction. 

Admit for a moment, the Delawares yet a great people, retaining their political organiza- 
tion, electing their own kings, allowed to enter into council, to unite in the negotiation of 
treaties ; their braves courted, flattered, trusted, sent upon the war path ; and yet subordi- 



60 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

nate, the high and imperious tone of indignation and contempt towards them, only used by 
their masters upon rare occasions, when they had presumed too far in affected independence, 
and needed to be checked, you will, we think, perceive their true condition. This view is 
illustrated by King Paxinos of the Shawanese, being sent on the responsible mission to the 
Christian Indians at Gnadenhutten ; the return of Tedeuscung in obedience to the message 
sent him, his being forthwith elevated to the station of King of his Nation ; and when, in 
scriptural language, "he waxed fat and kicked," assuming a tone of independence, the 
offence taken by the Iroquois, and their terrible vengeance wrought upon him. The same 
remark is applicable to the speech of Canassatego at the Treaty in Philadelphia in respect 
to the misconduct of the Delavvares, in refusing to remove from land they had sold. 

The Confederation of the Rhine was composed of sovereign states, independent com- 
munities. Kings who held their court in gorgeous state, free to do their own will — except 
that Napoleon was their master. So too, the French Senate and Senators were independent ; 
they met, deliberated; the Emperor frequently attending consultations, arguing different 
questions, and sometimes yielding his own opinion, yet the anecdote is familiar; one of the 
members pressed with earnestness some point against Napoleon's wishes, until he became 
impatient. " Stop, stop," said he with suppressed emotion, "do not oblige me to speak 
with more decision." The Iroquois, if less learned than the French Chief, were as profound 
statesmen, and as perfect adepts in the arts of Government as the Emperor; and he, holding 
Poland in his fist, with power to throw her into the lap of Russia or Austria, yet by policy 
bound the Polish Lancers so closely to his standard and person, that they would rush into the 
stream at his bidding, and the last expiring cry, when swallowed by the flood, was " Vive la 
Napoleon." So too, I take it, the subject nations of the Iroquois were held in bondage by 
the tics of policy, as well as by the rod of power; until that Confederacy, wounded, yet not 
slain ; broken, though not crushed, with instinctive perception of the true condition of affairs, 
they began more and more, and with bolder tone, to rear the crest, and speak the language of 
freemen. 

Again, Col. Stone, while he speaks of the Six Nations, the A quanuschionis, meaning the 
" United People," leaves the impression that they were disunited in council, divided in 
action, some of the Confederacy taking part with the French, and others with the English. 
Such view of the matter, the reader is aware is at variance with the opinions we have con- 
stantly expressed in this work, and sincerely entertain. Such separation and division, I 
think, was rather apparent than real. The Iroquois were neither deluded by the French 
nor the English, to adopt any system of policy they did not deem for their own peculiar 
interest. They were Iroquois, proud of their long continued national existence and supre- 
macy; fond, to enthusiasm of their country; ambitious of power; desirous of renown; 
avaricious of dominion. They watched the daily augmenting strength of both England and 
France, with bitter jealousy and inextinguishable hate. No moment had existed since 
their purposes and power had been developed, so that fears for their own independence had 
been awakened, but the Indians would have been rejoiced if the whole white race had 
but one neck, and that submitted to their exterminating hatchet. Like every other people 
they were compelled to yield to circumstances. The French were favored in former years 
because they erected trading houses, bought furs, and made little encroachment on their 
lands, while the British colonies awakened greater jealousy by the dreaded invasion of the 
woodman's axe, and the hated encroachment of the farmer's plough ; yet they wavered with 
the vicissitudes of war, and their policy varied with the shifting success of the rival parties, 
meaning on the issue, if possible, to be on good terms with the strongest. 

"But at least for a part of the war the Mohawks and Onondagos, sided with the 
British, being under the influence of Sir William Johnson." 

Say rather. Sir William Johnson was the subservient agent of their policy. With the 
rising star of British ascendancy the apparent influence of Sir William increased. Had 
the French continued victorious; had not Fort William, Louisburgh, Oswego, Du Cluesne, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 61 

fallen, rely on it, the influence of Sir William Johnson would have been lighter with them 
than the down of the thistle. But Sir William took to his bed a Mohawk maiden, the 
sister of a great chief. Say rather the sister of a Mohawk chief was permitted, or directed to 
become the partner of Sir William Johnson. However profound his policy, it was at least 
equally wise and effective on the part of the Indians. If Napoleon wedded a daughter of 
Hapsburg, remember, a daughter of Hapsburg, it was hoped, would prove a powerful ally ; 
and minister in the court of the Emperor, to defend and sustain her father's failing fortunes, 
even perhaps to reveal to him the secrets of her husband. 

The union of those two tribes with English interests, I regard as a deep stroke of policy ; 
painful, perhaps humiliating, but the Iroquois were now between two fires, hard pressed and 
obliged to resort to every wile to preserve their tottering existence. The Mohawks were 
nearest the English, being within striking distance of the settlements on the Hudson. How 
manifest the policy that these should seem to side with the EngHsh, do just enough to pre- 
serve themselves from attack, and serve as a shield and barrier to their confederate nations, 
who thereby could put forth their whole force on other points in favor of the French. What 
was it, but a new edition of the old policy practised in England for hundreds of years, in 
civil wars, for families to divide, so that whichever party might prevail the estates should be 
preserved from confiscation. Every step of apparent division, as well as united action, I am 
persuaded was the result of cool deliberation, full consultation, mature councils, and unani- 
mous consent. United certainly they were before the war — still we find them united, acting 
in perfect harmony in 1758, at the treaty held in Easton, which would have been inconceivable 
if they had been really at variance with each other a few months before. In our Revolution 
the same game of apparent neutrality or disunion of the nation was attempted to be 
played. 

A brief note was all I intended, but lo ! this exposition has swollen to half the limits of 
a letter. 



LETTER TI. 



Brief outline of controversy between Pennsylvania and Connecticut— Earliest Chatters of 
France and England — Great Plymouth Council incorporated— Massachusetts carved out 
of the Plymouth Patent^-Warwick*s Charter— Colony of Connecticut— Charter of King 
Charles, 1662 — Extent of claim under Connecticut Charter, included Wyoming — Purchase 
of Indian right by Susquehanna Company — Incidental matters — Delaware Company's 
Purchase— First attempt to settle the lands— Adverse claims of Penn set forth— ^Chartet 
to Wra. Penn, 1681. 



Having brought down the history of Wyoming to 1763, including 
the murder of Tedeuscung, the massacre and expulsion of the first 
Connecticut settlers, and the general removal of Indians from the 
Valley, other matters of weighty interest call for our consideration. 

For many years the public mind has been made familiar with the 
fact that a dispute long existed between Pennsylvania and Connecti- 
cut, for the jurisdiction and soil over a large extent of territory, 
within which the valley of Wyoming is included. So many im- 
portant events trace their origin to this controversy, that it becomes 
necessary to set forth the grounds thereof somewhat in detail. In- 
deed, we cannot doubt but a fair and candid exhibition of the claims 
of the respective parties, will be acceptable not only to the general 
reader, but particularly so to every intelligent person resident within 
the contested limits. In an especial manner may it be desirable to 
the numerous descendants of those who first removed from New 
England, to make their home in this, then savage and inhospitable 
wilderness. The Connecticut Claim is at rest ; dead and buried. 
Pennsylvania, so far from being regarded as an unkind step-mother, 
extending reluctant protection to the New England people, and 
their children, is universally esteemed as a kind parent, entitled to 
the warmest affection of every good citizen, who has the happiness to 
live within her borders, among whom the population on the old 
Susquehanna Claim, are second to none in true allegiance, veneration 
and love. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 63 

Were it conceded that the claim of Connecticut was a baseless 
speculation, merited reproach would necessarily attach to all those 
numerous settlers, who came to this debated land, with a view to 
its possession. Nor would the parent colony, or State, escape 
severe censure. With the two-fold view, therefore, of imparting 
information to those who wish to understand the ancient grounds of 
controversy, and to vindicate the State, and the early colonists from 
being reckless and unprincipled invaders of the property of others, 
we shall proceed to show — not that the Connecticut claim was 
absolutely just, but that there were at the time, with the lights before 
them, such grounds to believe in its justice, as to warrant the adop- 
tion of all proper measures to secure its possession. 

Early after 1600, a contest commenced between France and Eng- 
land for the possession of North America. In November, 1603, 
Henry IV. of France, (a name that awakens all that is chivalrous 
in war, gallant in love, or romantic in incident,) granted to Sieur de 
Monts, American Territory, under the name of Acadia, extending 
from the 40th to the 46th degree of latitude. Aroused by this 
measure king James of England, three years afterwards, that is, in 
1606, divided that part of North America lying between the 34th 
and 45th degrees of latitude, into two nearly equal parts ; the north- 
ern half, namely, the country between the 38th and 45th degrees of 
latitude, he granted by patent to Thomas Hanham and others, prin- 
cipally inhabitants of Plymouth and Bristol. Out of this grant, as 
we shall trace it step by step, grew the Connecticut claim. 

Subsequently the King, by letters patent dated November 3, 1620, 
incorporated the Great Plymouth Council, and granted " all that 
circuit, continent, and limits in America, in breadth, from 40 degrees 
of northerly latitude, from the equinoxial line to 48 degrees of said 
northerly latitude, and in length, by all the breadth throughout 
the main land from sea to sea, with all the rivers, seas, &c., within 
the same degrees of latitude and longitude ; and incorporated the 
Duke of Lenox, and divers other persons, by the name of the council 
established at Plymouth, in the county of Devon, for the planting, 
ruling, ordering and governing of New England in America; and to 
them and their successors grants all the lands, &c., viz : that afore- 
said part of America, lying and being in breadth from 40 degrees of 
northerly latitude, from the equinoxial line, to 48 degrees of the 
said northerly latitude, inclusively, and in length, of and within all 
the breadth aforesaid throughout the main lands, from sea to sea. 



64 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

together also with all the firm lands, soils, grounds, &c., and all and 
singular other commodities, jurisdictions, royalties, privileges, fran- 
chises and pre-eminences, both within the said tract, upon the land, 
upon the main, and also within the said islands, and seas adjoining : 
Provided always, that the said islands, or any of the premises herein- 
before mentioned, and by these presents intended and meant to be 
granted, were not actually possessed or inhabited by other Christian 
prince or state, nor within the bounds, limits or territories, of that 
southern colony heretofore by us granted, to be planted by divers 
of our loving subjects in the south part. And did further command 
and authorize the said Council and their successors, or the major 
part of them, to distribute, convey, assign, and set over such parti- 
cular portions of said lands, tenements and hereditaments, to such 
subjects, adventurers and planters, as they should think proper." 

You will observe not only, that authority is given, but the charge 
is expressly made, that the Plymouth Council " shall distribute, as- 
sign, and set over," to others, such portions of the territory as might 
be deemed politic and proper. Accordingly, Massachusetts was 
carved out of the Plymouth patent in 1628. — The grant for that 
purpose to Sir Henry Rosswell and others, runs thus : " All that 
part of New England in America aforesaid, which lies and extends 
between a great river there, commonly called Monomack, alias 
Merrimack, and a certain other river there, called Charles river, 
being in the bottom of a bay called Massachusetts, alias Mattachu- 
setts, alias Mattattusetts bay, and all and singular, the lands and 
hereditaments whatsoever, lying within the space of three English 
miles, on the south part of said Charles river, or of any or every part 
thereof; and all and singular, the lands and hereditaments whatsoever, 
lying and being within the space of three English miles to the south- 
ward of the southernmost part of the said bay ; and also, all those 
lands and hereditaments whatsoever, which lie and be within the 
space of three English miles to the northward of the said river, called 
Monomack, alias Merrimack, and to the northward of any and every 
part thereof; and all lands and hereditaments whatsoever, lying with- 
in the limits aforesaid, north and south in latitude and in breadth, and 
in length and longitude, of and within all the breadth aforesaid, 
throughout the main lands there, from the Atlantic and western sea 
and ocean on the east part, to the south sea on the west part; and all 
the lands, and grounds." etc.. 

King Charles confirmed this charter in 1629. It will attract 
particular attention that the words are clear, the language explicit 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 65 

in the description, that the grant extends, " throughout the main '•{ 
lands from the western ocean to the south sea.'^ 

Next in order we come to the Connecticut charter. In 1630 the 
Earl of Warwick, president of the Plymouth council, received a 
grant of a large tract of land, which he conveyed to Lord Say and 
Seal, Lord Brook and others, after having obtained the king's charter 
of confirmation. His deed is dated March 19, 1631, and the follow- 
ing is a copy of the descriptive part : " All that part of New Eng- 
land in America, which lies and extends itself from a river, there 
called Narragansett river, the space of forty leagues upon a straight 
line near the shore, towards the southwest, west and by south, or 
west, as the coast lieth, towards Virginia, accounting three English 
miles to the league ; and also, all and singular the lands and here- 
ditaments whatsoever, lying and being within the lands aforesaid, 
north and south in latitude and breadth, and in length and longitude, 
of and within all the breadth aforesaid, throughout the main lands 
there, from the western ocean to the south sea, and all lands and 
grounds, place and places, soil, wood and woods, grounds and ha- 
vens, ports, creeks and rivers, waters, fishings and hereditaments 
whatsoever, lying within the said space, and every part and parcel 
thereof; and also all islands lying in America aforesaid, in the said 
seas, or either of them, on the western or eastern coasts, or parts of 
the said tracts of lands, by these presents mentioned to be given, 
granted," etc. 

Again it will be observed that the words of description expressly 
include " the main lands from the western ocean to the south sea." 

This grant having been partially settled, an association, under the 
name of the colony of Connecticut, purchased out the right of Lord 
Say and Seal, Lord Brook, and others, for 16,000 pounds sterling. 
In 1662, April 20, king Charles the 2nd renewed and confirmed the 
charter, distinctly recognizing the territory as part and parcel of the 
old Plymouth grant, set oflfand allotted according to national policy 
and the royal will. As this is the Connecticut charter proper, we 
quote the descriptive words. — " To the Governor and company of 
the English colony of Connecticut, in New England, in America," 
with certain privileges and powers of government; and "granted 
and confirmed to the said Governor and company, and their succes- 
sors, all that part of our dominions in New England, in America, 
bounded on the east by Narragansett river, commonly called Nar- 
ragansett bay, where the said river falleth into the sea ; and on the 
north, by the line of the Massachusetts Plantation ; and on the south, 
5 



66 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

by the sea ; and in longitude, as the Massachusetts colony, running 
from east to west, that is to say, from the said Narragansett bay, 
on the east, to the south sea, on the west part, with the islands 
thereunto adjoining, together with all firm lands, soils, grounds, 
havens, ports, rivers, waters, fishings, mines, minerals, precious 
stones, quarries, and all and singular other commodities, jurisdictions, 
royalties, privileges, franchises, pre-eminences, and hereditaments 
whatsoever, within the said tract, bounds, lands, and islands afore- 
said, or to them or any of them belonging: To have and to hold the 
same unto the said Governor and company, their successors and 
assigns, forever, upon trust ; and for the use and benefit of them- 
selves and their associates, freemen of the said colony, their heirs 
and assigns." 

A third time it will strike the reader, the descriptive words dis- 
tinctly mention, " from the said Narragansett bay on the east, to 
the south sea on the west." More particularly is attention directed 
to the repetition of those words, because Mr. Stone quotes a some- 
what recent opinion of Col. Pickering, " that in early times the con- 
tinent was (probably) supposed to be of comparatively little breadth." 
In respect to an opinion from authority so respectable we may ob- 
serve, 1st. That several of the Southern colonial charters were 
also bounded westerly by the south sea. 2nd. A boundary used 
and repeated many times, for more than fifty years, by a government 
so intelligent in maritime affairs, and consequently of the position of 
the ocean's shores, it would be an unwarrantable presumption to 
suppose them ignorant of 3rd. That Col. Pickering having remov- 
ed to Wyoming, as a Pennsylvanian, and suffered violence from the 
Connecticut settlers, would be little apt to form an impartial opinion 
on any point connected with the dispute. 4th. And more important, 
the great extent of those early grants, was matter of profound policy, 
thereby to appropriate as much of the continent as possible, a settle- 
ment on one part of the grant being claimed as possession of the 
whole, by such means strengthening the claim of England against 
that of France, or any other nation. It is moreover asserted by 
Avery, I know not on what authority, that at the time of the Con- 
necticut charter, the distance from the Atlantic ocean to the south 
sea was spoken of in public documents as about three thousand miles. 

A grave question here presents itself. Why, on each new grant 
growing out of the Plymouth Company's charter, did the Crown 
renew the conveyance, and issue a new charter? was it claimed or 
admitted that the crown could resume its grants at pleasure ? — Cer- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. ^7 

tainly not. All the rights of soil and property passed by grants 
from the proprietors ; but the powers of government were considered 
of a nature so sacred, that they could only be derived directly from 
the king. It was held, that to assign the powers of government was 
to relinquish them. 

Hence the uniform opinion existed, where mere territory was 
sold, that a deed from the proprietors was sufficient. Where a new 
colony, with powers of government was to be established, a release 
was made to the crown, and a new charter granted, yet expressly 
recognizing the rights of, and confirming the conveyance from those 
who had derived title from the old Plymouth Company. 

In the Connecticut Charter, it will be noted that no exception in 
terms is made of lands " actually possessed or inhabited by any 
other christian power or State," yet the exception in the patent, or 
old Plymouth Charter was supposed sufficient, and held to govern in 
all grants growing out of it. The descriptive words of the charter, 
east, north and west, are clear and explicit — Narragansett river on 
the east ; on the north by the Massachusetts Plantation — a well 
established boundary ; being the ending of the 42nd, and beginning 
of the 43rd degree of latitude — on the west the south sea.'" It will 
be seen hereafter that good use was made by England in her nego- 
tiations with France, of these extensive charter boundaries, as pres- 
cient sagacity contemplated, when the grants were originally made. 
How far south the southern line would have run if accurately de- 
fined, it is not necessary here to inquire. A degree of latitude was 
claimed. — That these boundaries included Wyoming, has never, 
that we are aware of, been controverted. 

The colony of Connecticut then, claimed west of Delaware river 
the forty-second degree of latitude, west, until bounded by the 
south sea. The territory east of the Delaware within that parallel <;^ 
of latitude to the line dividing New York and Connecticut, being in 
possession of the Dutch when her charter was granted, was of course 
excepted out of the grant. 

In that part of America claimed by England, three requisites 
were demanded to render title to lands perfect. — First, — a grant or 
charter from the king; — Secondly, — a purchase of the soil from the 
Indians ; — Thirdly, possession. Having exhibited the Connecticut ' 
claim by charter, we proceed briefly to examine their title bv pur- 
chase of the natives. 

In 1754 a Congress of Delegates, from a number of the British 
colonies was called, with the approbation of the Crown, to assemble 



68 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

at Albany, to hold a conference with the Six Nations of Indians, and 
consult together of the general welfare. That Pennsylvania was 
fully and ably represented, will be seen when we state that her 
delegation consisted of John Penn, Isaac Norris, Benjamin Franklin, 
and Richard Peters. 

The preceding year, 1753, a number of persons had united, with 
a view to purchase the Indian title, within the charter limits of the 
colony of Connecticut, on the waters of the Susquehanna. 

The persons so uniting were styled " The Connecticut Susque- 
hanna Company," and consisted, at first, of eight hundred and forty 
persons, including a large proportion of the leading men of the colony. 
Afterwards the number of proprietors was augmented to twelve hun- 
dred. It may be regarded as an unofficial popular movement of the 
colony itself. — Meaning fairly, they proceeded openly. That a time 
should have been selected for the negotiation and purchase, when so 
large an assembly of delegates had convened, would seem to evince 
consciousness of right and fairness of purpose. In error they might 
have been; ignorant or stupid they were not; and yet to suppose 
they selected the time of such a public meeting, to make clandestine- 
ly a fraudulent Treaty with the Six Nations of Indians, would be 
the imputation of unexampled folly. 

During the session of this Congress, under the eye of the Pennsyl- 
vania Delegation, a treaty with the Indians, the acknowledged pro- 
prietors of the territory, was executed, dated July 11, 1754, and a 
purchase of land made. " After describing the grantors, and their 
right and authority, as ' chiefs, sachems and heads of the Five Na- 
tions,' and the native proprietors of the land, and that the same lies 
within the limits of the Royal Charter to Connecticut ; mentioning 
the application of the grantees being subjects of king George the 
Second, and inhabitants of Connecticut, and expressing the good 
understanding which had mutually subsisted between the parties, 
their wish for its continuance, and the benefits which would result 
from a settlement on the premises, the deed contains these words : — 
' Now, thereupon, for and in consideration thereof, and for the fur- 
ther, full and ample consideration of the sum of two thousand pounds 
of current money, of the province of New York, to us, to our full 
satisfaction, before the ensealing hereof, contented and paid, the 
receipt whereof, to our full content, we do. hereby acknowledge ; 
thereupon do give, grant, bargain, sell, convey, and confirm to,' etc. 
(Here follow the names of the grantees, etc.) " Which said given 
and granted tract of land is butted, bounded and described as fol- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. ^ @0« 

loweth, viz. — Beginning from the one and fortieth degree of north 
latitute, at ten miles distance east of Susquehanna river, and from 
thence, with a northerly line ten miles east of the river, to the forty- 
second, or beginning of the forty-third degree of north latitude, and 
to extend west two degrees of longitude, one hundred and twenty 
miles, and from thence south to the beginning of the forty-second 
degree, and from thence east to the aforementioned bounds, which is 
ten miles east of the Susquehanna river, together with all and every 
the mines, etc., and all other the hereditaments, etc., to have and to 
hold the above granted and bargained premises, etc., to them and to 
their heirs and assigns forever," etc. There are also the usual cove- 
nants of seizin and warranty." 

The deed was signed by eighteen chief sachems of the Six Nations. 
It is stated that the consideration money was counted out in the 
stoop of Col. Lydius, agent and interpreter for the Company, taken 
by the Indians in a blanket, in open day, into an orchard, and there 
divided among them. The Rev. Mr. Heckewelder states, that one 
principal reason given by the Christian Indians, at Wyalusing, for 
wishing to remove to the Ohio was, that the Six Nations had sold 
the lands they resided on, to the New England people. The Rev. 
Samuel Kirkland, a missionary to the Six Nations, in an affidavit 
taken on the subject, some years after ; " deposeth, that soon afler 
he came to reside among the five confederate nations of Indians, 
which was in 1765, an Indian chief with whom he resided near two 
years in the Seneca country, told him that the Five Nations (or Six 
Nations as they were then styled,) had sold a large tract of land on 
the Susquehanna, or Wyoming, to the New England people, and had 
received a large sum of money for it ; and that one Lydius, of 
Albany, was concerned in the purchase, as interpreter or principal 
agent. This information, with many other transactions of a similar 
nature, the said deponent received from the Indians, at their own 
voluntary motion, while they were giving him an historical account 
of their country, and various negotiations of the white people. The 
same account of the Susquehanna purchase, and others similar to it, 
the deponent has frequently heard related by different Indians of the 
Five Nations, having resided in their territory for near thirty years, 
and scarce ever absent from them more than three months at a time, 
during that term ; and never, to his remembrance, heard any of the 
said Indians complain of said purchase." 

Subsequently to the Susquehanna Company's purchase ; a second 
association of persons took place in Connecticut, styled " The Dela- 



70 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ware Company," who bought with less formality, the Indian title, 
from certain chiefs, of all the land, bounded east by Delaware river, 
within the forty-second degree of latitude, west to the line of the 
Susquehanna purchase, to wit, ten miles east of that river. 

" In May, 1755, a committee of the Susquehanna Company, con- 
sisting of Phineas Lyman and others, petitioned the Assembly of 
Connecticut, reciting their purchase aforesaid of the Indians, and 
praying the acquiescence of the Assembly, and their consent for an 
application to his Majesty, to erect them into a new colony or plan- 
tation. Whereupon it was, among other things, resolved by the 
Assembly, that, ' they accordingly hereby manifest their ready acqui- 
escence therein,'^ etc. During the same year, the Company sent sur- 
veyors to begin the laying out of the land ; but the war with the 
French prevented any actual settlements." 

Two of the three requisites for the acquisition of a perfect title, 
having, as alleged, been obtained, namely, the Charter Right and 
Indian Title, the Proprietors next proceeded to add the third, by 
taking possession of the soil. 

So early as 1757, a settlement was commenced by the Delaware 
Company at Coshutunk, to establish a colony on the Delaware 
river, which flourished for several years, having in 1760, thirty 
dwelling houses, a block-house for defence, with a grist-mill and 
saw-mill. A previous attempt to establish a colony, made by people 
of Coniiccticut, in 1670, at the Minissinks, was almost immediately 
abandoned, the Indian title not having been extinguished ; and the 
fact is thought worthy of preservation, chiefly as it proves the 
opinion, then existing, that the Charter, passing over New York, 
was in full force west of that province. 

We have, before, recorded the attempted settlement in 1762, at 
Wyoming, and the massacre the year following. In 1769, the set- 
tlement was renewed, and with various interruptions, rendered per- 
manent. 

The adverse claim of Pennsylvania we shall endeavour to set forth 
with equal precision and fairness. To do so, we copy " The State- 
ment and Representation" of Messrs. Bradford, Reed, Wilson, and 
Sargeant, agents, on the part of the State, at the Trenton trial. 

" To the Honorable the Commissioners and Judges, appointed to 
hear and finally determine the controversy subsisting between the 
State of Pennsylvania and the State of Connecticut. The Agents of 
the State of Pennsylvania beg leave, humbly, to state and represent 
in behalf of the said State, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 71 

" 1st. That king Charles the Second, then king of Great Britain, 
on the 4th day of March, in the year of our Lord, 1681, by his let- 
ters patent, dated on the same day and year aforesaid, did grant to 
William Penn, the first proprietary and governor of Pennsylvania, 
his heirs and assigns, 'all that tract or part of land in America, with 
the islands therein contained, as the same is bounded on the east by 
Delaware river, from twelve miles distance northward of Newcastle 
town, unto the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, if the 
said river doth extend so far northward; but if the said river shall 
not extend so far northward, then by the said river so far as it doth 
extend, and from the head of the said river the eastern bounds are 
to be determined by a meridian line to be drawn from the head of 
the said river unto the said forty-third degree ; the said land to 
extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be computed from the 
said eastern bounds ; and the said lands to be bounded on the north 
by the beginning of the three and fortieth degree of northern lati- 
tude, and on the south by a circle drawn at tw'elve miles distance 
from Newcastle, northward and westward unto the beginning of the 
fortieth degree of northern latitude, and then by a straight line west- 
ward to the limits of longitude above mentioned.' By which letters 
patent the jurisdiction and right of government within the limits 
aforesaid, and also the right of soil were conveyed, and under which 
Pennsylvania hath been held, settled and possessed. 

" 2d. That the said William Penn, and the succeeding proprieta- 
ries of Pennsylvania, at different periods, purchased from the native 
Indians their right of soil within different districts of the limits 
aforesaid, and received deeds of them for the same, and particularly 
on the 25th day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1736, the said In- 
dians conveyed to Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, the then proprie- 
taries of Pennsylvania, the full and absolute right of pre-emption of, 
and in all the lands not before sold by them to the said proprieta- 
ries, within the limits aforesaid. 

" 3d. That the southern bounds of Pennsylvania, so far as the same 
adjoins on Maryland, have been long since settled ; and the same, so 
far as the State adjoins upon Virginia, have also been settled by a 
line, called Mason and Dixon's line, continued to the end of five 
degrees of longitude from the river Delaware ; that the northern 
bounds have always been deemed to extend to the end of the forty- 
second degree, where the figures 42 are marked on the map, the 
river Delaware being found to extend so far north, and farther ; that 
the said river, pursuing the east or main branch thereof above the 
forks at Easton, hath ever been deemed to be one boundary of Penn- 



72 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

sylvania, from twelve miles above Newcastle, on the said river, to 
the said end of the forty-second degree, and that a straight line, from 
thence to the place where the same shall intersect another straight 
line, drawn from the end of the said southern line of boundary of 
Pennsylvania, commonly called Mason and Dixon's line, continued 
to the extent of five degrees of longitude from the river Delaware, is 
another boundary of the said State of Pennsylvania. 

" 4th. That the late province of Pennsylvania, on the 4th day of 
July, in the year of our Lord, 1776, did join with the other twelve 
late provinces, now States, in the declaration of independence, and 
soon after established a Constitution and Government, founded on 
the authority of the people, which they continue still to exercise and 
enjoy ; and they did also join in the Articles of Confederation of the 
United States ; and that being so independent and sovereign, on the 
27th day ot November, in the year of our Lord, 1779, they did by 
an act of their Legislature, consisting of the representatives of the 
freemen of the said Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General 
Assembly met, duly made and passed according to the directions of 
their frame of government, vest the right of soil and estate of the 
late proprietaries of Pennsylvania in the said Commonwealth ; and 
that by means thereof, and cf the several matters and things herein 
before set forth, the said Commonwealth, or State of Pennsylvania, 
is entitled to the right of jurisdiction, and right of soil, within all the 
limits aforesaid." 

The charter of Pennsylvania, was, therefore, in 1681, nineteen 
years after that to Connecticut. It would hence appear, that both 
cover the controvert'jd territory. 

The Pennsylvania Agents do not set forth a conveyance of the 
land from the Natives ; but a deed of pre-emption, or the promise to 
convey at some future time. 

No settlement or possession is alleged. 

From this fair and candid statement of the facts in the case, we 
infer, confidently, and claim for Connecticut, and the early settlers, 
this verdict : — That, without deciding the nice question of absolute 
right, the reasons of the case were ^so strong in favour of Connecti- 
cut, that intelligent and honorable men may have regarded her title 
so far just — that the Susquehanna and Delaware Companies, and the 
settlers under them, may have felt warranted in taking possession 
of the lands, and defending them by all fair and lawful means, until 
legally dispossessed by a solemn judicial decision. 

So much for the outline. In our next we shall proceed to more 
minute, but we trust, not uninteresting particulars. 



LETTER VII. 



A more detailed view of the controversy — Objections to the Connecticut Claim by Charter — 
Intervening settlements of the Dutch — Dividing line between New York and Connecti- 
cut — Letter of King Charles — Final adjustment of that line, and plausible inference — 
Gov. Penn — Pratt (British Attorney General's) opinion — Col. Dyer sent to England — 
Counter opinions of Wedderburne, Thurlow, Jackson and Dunning — Powerful argument 
of a known, but nameless American — Rev. Dr. Smith — Tench Coxe Esq. 



In the preceding letter we have endeavored to present a brief but 
clear exhibit of the titles respectively of Pennsylvania and Connecti- 
cut. The cursory reader, seeking amusement and studious of novelty, 
may deem such general view sufficient. But as almost every inte- 
resting event in the history of Wyoming, had its origin in these con- 
flicting claims, it seems fitting that a more full and detailed statement 
should be made of them, than has been attempted by any recent 
historian. 

For half a century the subject occupied no inconsiderable share 
of public attention ; engaged the pens of many a ready writer, and 
enlisted on one side or the other, both in England and America, the 
best talent and the ablest counsel that a popular controversy, em- 
bracing millions in value, or liberal retaining fees could command. 
Every weapon of party warfare was employed with zeal. The 
newspaper paragraph, the eloquent debate, the Legislative protest, 
elaborate essays, and numerous pamphlets now before me, show the 
interest and ability which the contest awakened. If the matter itself 
be regarded as dry and forbidding, we can promise some relief from 
enlivening incident, more from studied brevity, and most from the 
assurance that this and the succeeding letter, are indispensable to 
a just comprehension of the subject. 

Shaking then from these multitudinous papers, the venerable dust 
with which antiquity had shrouded them, we proceed with cheerful 
alacrity to our task. 



74 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

It was objected : 1st. That the Crown must have been deceived, 
and the Connecticut Charter could never have been intended to 
cover so vast an extent of territory as was claimed under it. 

In reply it was said — that it embraced no more than the Charter 
of Massachusetts : That those grants were, for state reasons, pur- 
posely extensive. That being made to a numerous company, it was 
less comparatively than that to Mr. Penn, an individual. That the 
Colonial Congress at Albany, in 1754, acting in reference to con- 
flicting English and French claims, made a report containing this 
express recognition, viz : " The ancient colonies of the Massachusetts 
Bay and Connecticut, were by their respective charters made to ex- 
tend to the south sea," which was transmitted by Messrs. Penn, 
Peters, Norris and Franklin, to the Government in Philadelphia, and 
entered on the records. 

It was objected— 2d. That in establishing the county of Litchfield, 
the act declares it located in the north-west corner of the colony ; 
acknowledging, therefore, that the charter extended no further west ; 
or that, if before the charter had greater limits, this was a waver 
of all claim beyond the bounds assigned to Litchfield. 

In answer it was said : That the relinquishment of so important 
an interest could not, by any fairness, be predicated upon an ex- 
pression, so manifestly in relation to the great question of charter 
bounds, inconsiderate and inapplicable. That if a farmer had a 
plantation half a mile wide, east and west, and two miles long, north 
and south — 100 acres on one end in cultivated fields — the rest a 
wilderness — were he, in a lease, to speak of the most distant cleared 
field adjoining the forest, as the outer limits of his farm, no one 
would assume it as an abandonment of what lay beyond, being four- 
fifths of his whole estate. The construction would be forced and 
unnatural. And indeed it was maintained that the absurdity of 
such plea was evidence that no sufficiently valid objection existed, or 
one so preposterous would not be urged. 

3d. A far more grave and weighty objection next presents itself 
for consideration ; which was carried up before the king in council, 
and engaged the first talents on the stage of action at that period, 
distinguished for eminent legal abilities. Piatt, afterwards Earl 
Camden; Wedderburne, afterwards Lord Loughborough, Thurlow, 
Dunning and Jackson, gave opinions upon the point. 

The early settlements upon Hudson river by the Dutch from New 
York to Albany, are presumed to be familiar to the reader. On the 
west, the claims of the Dutch were clearly defined, the Delaware 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 75 

river being the boundary ; but east and north, their limits were ex- 
tremely indefinite. Hence the most spirited contests arose between 
them and the adjoining colony of Connecticut, in respect to the 
division line between the two Provinces. Irving, in the delightful 
pages of his Knickerbocker, has found in that dispute materials for 
more than one of his most pleasing chapters. For a time civil war 
raged, the Dutch pressing their eastern boundary towards Connecti- 
cut river, to which they claimed ; the people of that colony, with a 
zeal and pertinacity in no way inferior, urging their limits west 
towards the Hudson. At length, in 1650, " Articles of agreement 
were made and concluded at Hartford, on Connecticut river, be- 
twixt the delegates of the honored commissioners of the United 
Colonies (of Hartford and New Haven,) and the delegates of Peter 
Stuyvesant, Governor of the New Netherlands :" We quote so much 
as is germain to the matter in hand. 

"Concerning the bounds and limits betwixt the English United 
Colonies, and this Dutch province of New Netherlands, we agree as 
folio weth : — 

" The bounds upon the main to begin at the west side of Green- 
wich Bay, being about four miles from Stamford, and so to run a 
northerly line, twenty miles up into the country; and after as it 
shall be agreed by the two governments, of the Dutch and New 
Haven, provided the said line come not within ten miles of Hudson's 
river. And it is agreed that the Dutch shall not, at any time here- 
after, build any house or habitation within six miles of said line. The 
inhabitants of Greenwich to remain, (till further consideration thereof 
be had,) under the government of the Dutch." 

This was the first amicable essay towards a settlement of the 
disputed line. " This agreement," says an able writer, whose work 
was printed nearly fifty years ago, " does not appear to have been 
ratified, or the terms satisfactorily observed. New difficulties suc- 
ceeded ; new complaints were made, and new claims advanced. 
In this state matters continued till the charter of 1662, which com- 
prehended both the New Haven and Connecticut Plantations, and 
until the conquest of the Dutch in 1664. Their territory, with all 
its appendages, had been transferred to the Duke of York, by a 
royal patent or charter, dated March 12th, 1664. On the 26th day 
of April, a commission had been given to Col. Richard Nichols, to 
dispossess the Dutch, and put the Duke in possession, which the 
Colonel accomplished in August ; whereupon it became necessary to 
settle the extent of the Dutch plantations eastward, and thereby to 



76 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ascertain the divisionary bounds of the Duke's patent, and the patent 
of Connecticut. For the last mentioned being the earliest, the other 
could not effectually convey any part of what was before conveyed 
from the crown. Though the Duke's charter contained within its 
premises, all the land between Connecticut river and the Delaware, 
yet the colony contended that a part of the land thus granted to 
him, was theirs by their older charter. But how much of it was 
vested in them, so as not to pass to him, or, in other words, where the 
division line ought to be, was still an unsettled question, the for- 
mer settlement not being satisfactory or conclusive. Here was a 
direct interference between the Dutch claim, to which the Duke 
had now succeeded, and that of the colony. Each party insisted 
on Long Island, and the tract between Connecticut river and a line 
a few miles east of Hudson's river. 

As the colony of Connecticut had now a prince of the blood 
royal, and the presumptive heir of the crown, to contend with, 
it became a serious object with them, to obtain as early and as 
favorable an adjustment of the line as possible. Commissioners had 
come over with extensive powers to adjust disputed questions, at 
issue between the colonies. New York was now the property of the 
king's brother, who was anxious he should hold it in peace, and 
especially that all contests should cease in respect to the boundary 
claimed by him. King Charles by his commissioners, transmitted a 
letter to the Connecticut colony, full of gracious expressions. As it 
is not long, we will give the letter entire : — 

" Charles R. 

Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well, having according 
to the resolution we declared to Mr. John Winthrop, at the time 
when we renewed your charter, now sent these persons of known 
abilities and affection to us, that is to say, Col. Richard Nichols, &c., 
our commissioners, to visit these our several colonies and plantations 
in New England, to the end that we may be the better informed of 
the state and welfare of our good subjects, whose prosperity is very 
dear to us. We can make no question but that they shall find that 
reception from you, which may testify your respect to us, from whom 
they are sent for your good. We need not tell you how caj-eful we 
are of your liberties and privileges, whether ecclesiastical or civil, 
which we will not suffer to he violated in the least degree ; and that 
they may not be is the principal business of our said commission- 
ers, as likewise to take care that the bounds and jurisdiction of 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 77 

our several colonies there, may be clearly agreed upon ; that every 
one may enjoy what of right belongeth unto them, without strife or 
contention ; and especially that the natives of that country, who 
are willing to live peaceably and neighbourly with our English sub- 
jects, may receive such justice and civil treatment from them, as may 
make them the more in love with their religion and manners ; so, not 
doubling of your full compliance and submission to our desire, we 
bid you farewell. Given at our court, at Whitehall, the 23d day of 
April, 1664, in the 16th year of our reign. By his Majesty's command. 

Henry Bennet." 

The colony of Connecticut, more than ever desirous to have the 
disputed line finally settled, immediately, that is, Oct. 13, 1664, ap- 
pointed a committee, consisting of Mr. Allen, Mr. Gould, Mr. Rich- 
ards, and Mr. Winthrop, to repair to New York, to bear the con- 
gratulations of the colony to the Royal commissioners ; for the period 
was eminently distinguished by ceremonial politeness ; and the com- 
mittee were expressly authorized, if possible, to issue the hounds be- 
tween the Duke'' s patent and ours" 

A second adjustment of boundary grew out of this mission. Long 
Island was adjudged to New York, and the contested line was estab- 
lished thus. 

" Determination of his Majesty^s commissioners, respecting the boun- 
daries of His Royal Highness the Duke of York^s patent, and the 
colony of Connecticut. 

" By virtue of his Majesty's commission, we have heard the differ- 
ences about the bounds of the patents granted to his Royal Highness, 
the Duke of York, and his- Majesty's colony of Connecticut ; and, 
having deliberately considered all the reasons alleged by Mr. Allen, 
Secretary, Mr. Gould, Mr. Richards, and Capt. Winthrop, appointed 
by the assembly held at Hartford, the 13th day of October, 1664, to 
accompany John Winthrop, Esq., Governor of his Majesty's colony 
of Connecticut, to New York, and by Mr. Howell and Capt. Young, 
of Long Island, why the said Long Island should be under the go- 
vernment of Connecticut, which are too long here to be recited; We 
do declare and order, that the southern bounds of his Majesty's colony 
of Connecticut is the sea ; and that Long Island is to be under the 
government of his Royal Highness the Duke of York ; as is expressed 
by plain words in the said patents respectively. And also by virtue 
of his Majesty's commission, and by the consent of both the Governor 



78 HISTORY OF WYOxMING. 

and the gentlemen above named, we also order and declare, that the 
creek, or river, called Mamaroneck, which is reputed to be about 
twelve miles to the east of West Chester, and a line drawn from the 
east point, or side, where the fresh water falls into the salt, at high 
water mark, north-northwest to the line of Massachusetts, he the 
western hounds of the said colony of Connecticut ; and the plantations 
lying westward of that creek, and line so drawn, to be under his 
Royal Highness's government ; and all plantations lying eastward of 
that creek and line, to be under the government of Connecticut. 

Given under our hands at Fort James, in Nev7 York, on Manhat- 
tan's Island, this 30th day of November, 1664. 

Richard Nichols," etc. 

The assent of the agents was expressed as follows, viz : 

"We, underwritten, on behalf of the colony of Connecticut, have 

assented unto this determination of his Majesty's commissioners, in 

relation to the bounds and limits of his Royal Highness, the Duke's 

patent, and the patent of Connecticut. 

John Winthrop, etc. 

November 30, 1664." 

The plantation of New Haven, though included in the charter to 
Connecticut, had nevertheless maintained their own separate govern- 
ment, and refused to join with the other colony, until after this de- 
termination of his Majesty's commissioners ; so that they were not 
as yet parties to the settlement. After much correspondence and 
negotiation, however, they concluded to unite under the charter; and 
accordingly, on the 5th of January, 1665, communicated their final 
acquiescence, in a letter, in which (among other things not directly 
pertinent to this point,) they say, " We now signify, that having seen 
the copy of his Majesty's commissioners' determination, {deciding the 
hounds hetwixt his Highness the Duke of York, and Connecticut 
Charter,) we do declare submission thereunto." 

Scarcely had the lines been settled, when the vicissitudes of war 
again threw the colony of New York into the hands of the Dutch, 
which they retained until 1674, when, by the Treaty of Peace, it 
was finally restored to the British Crown. A new charter, with 
precisely the former boundaries, was forthwith issued to the Duke of 
York, and the ancient dispute with Connecticut revived. 

Col. Dungan having been appointed Governor of New York, Con- 
necticut, in 1683, appointed commissioners to repair to that place, 
to bear the congratulations of the colony on his arrival, and to adjust, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 7f 

if practicable, for the third time, the contested boundary. Accord- 
ingly, the Governor, Major Gould, Capt. Allyn, and Mr. Wm. Pit- 
kin, were designated, and set forth on their mission. A new line 
was fixed upon, which constitutes the present limits between Con- 
necticut and New York. 

Tiie whole of this long contest is so far detailed, and regarded im- 
portant in relation to the Wyoming History, because it is asserted to 
have been a relinquishment on the part of Connecticut of all claim 
west of New York. It was declared, that the line fixed upon "shall 
he the western hounds of the said colony of Connecticut, and the plan- 
tations lying westward of that creek, and line so drawn, to be under 
his Royal Highness's government ; and all plantations eastward of 
that creek and line, to be under the government of Connecticut." It 
is said these expressions are clear and unequivocal, and whatever 
rights Connecticut might have previously had to the Susquehanna 
lands, that declaration was a waver, or relinquishment of them, for 
ever. 

Governor Penn sets forth this view of the case with marked em- 
phasis. "The uncertainty," says he, "in the bounds and extent of 
the Connecticut Charter, as well as of other of the New England 
grants, occasioned a Royal commission to issue, so early as within 
two years after the date of that charter, for the declared purpose of 
settling the bounds and limits of their several charters and jurisdic- 
tions ; in consequence of which, a north-northwest line, drawn from 
Mamaroneck river to the line of Massachusetts, was declared, and 
expressly fixed and established to be the western bounds of the colony 
of Connecticut, which boundary was then solemnly assented to, 
ratified and confirmed, by the Governor and Commissioners of the 
colony." 

Still more full, authoritative and emphatic, was the opinion of the 
Attorney General of the Crown, Mr. Pratt, given in 1761, in answer 
to the following query by the Proprietary Government, to wit: 
" Whether the people of Connecticut have any colour or pretence 
under their charter to set up this right to this tract of land west- 
ward of New Jersey through Pennsylvania, as far as the south sea ; 
and what is most advisable for the proprietaries to do in case the 
Government of Connecticut persist in their claim? 

" If all the colonies in North America," says Mr. Pratt " were to 
remain at this day bounded in point of right as they are described 
in the original grant of each, I do not believe there is one settlement 
in that part of the globe that has not been encroached upon, or else 



80 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

usurped upon its neighbour, so tliat if the grants were of themselves 
the only rule between the contending plantations, there never would 
be an end to the dispute, without unsettling large tracts of land 
where the inhabitants have no better title to produce than either 
possession or posterior grants, which in point of law would be sus- 
pended by prior charters. Hence I conceive that many other cir- 
cumstances must be taken into consideration besides the parchment 
boundary, for that may at this day be extended or narrowed by 
possession, acquiescence, or agreement, by the situation and con- 
dition of the territory at the time of the grant, as well as by various 
other matters with respect to the present dispute. The western 
boundary of Connecticut was barred at the time of the original 
grant, by the Dutch settlements, and the Crown was deceived when 
they were prevailed upon to convey a territory which belonged to 
another State then in amity with the Crown of England. Besides 
this objection, the settlement of the new boundary under the king's 
commission in 1664, and what is still stronger, the new line marked 
out by agreement between this Province and New York, has now 
conclusively precluded Connecticut from advancing one foot beyond 
those limits. It was absolutely necessary for the Crown, after the 
cession of the New Netherlands, to decide the clashing rights of the 
Duke of York and the adjoining colonies ; and therefore all that was 
done by virtue of the commission then awarded for that purpose 
must at this day be decreed valid, as the nations have ever since 
that time submitted to those determinations, and the colonies of New 
York and New Jersey subsist only upon the authority of those acts. 
I am of opinion therefore that the colony of Connecticut has no right 
to resume its ancient boundary by overleaping the Province of New 
York so as to encroach upon the Pennsylvania grant, which was not 
made until after the Connecticut boundary had been reduced by new 
confines, which restored the land beyond those settlements westward, 
to the Crown, and laid them open to a new grant. The state of the 
country in dispute is a material state reason why the Crown ought 
to interfere in the present case, and put a stop to this growing mis- 
chief. But I doubt this business cannot be adjusted very soon, be- 
cause Mr. Penn must apply to the Crown for relief, which method of 
proceeding will necessarily take up time, as the province of Connec- 
ticut must have notice, and be heard." 

This seems justly to have been regarded as a most impregnable 
fortress to the Pennsylvania claim. But the Attorney General 
admits, that the Connecticut Charter did originally cover the lands 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. ai 

west of the Delaware ; for he says, " I am of opinion that the colony 
of Connecticut has no right to resume its ancient boundary, by over- 
leaping the province of New York ;" thus distinctly recognizing the 
fact that the " ancient boundary^' did overleap New York. 

The reader, we are sure, will be anxious to see the authorities on 
the other side, and weigh the objections which truth or ingenuity 
may have marshalled in opposition to this formidable, if not conclu- 
sive array of fact, and opinion. 

Questions in respest to the contested lands having been made 
before the king in council, the Susquehanna company despatched 
Col. Eliphalet Dyer, as their agent, to England. This gentleman, a 
native of Wyndham, was one of the most eminent lawyers of Con- 
necticut : His name will frequently occur in the subsequent pages 
of this work, accompanied with some amusing anecdotes.*" Of good 
form, of pleasing address, an ardent advocate of the Connecticut 
claim; a more suitable selection could not have been made. A 
countryman hearing him plead before the court, went away and 
said — " No man need ever speak again" — meaning he could not be 
surpassed. — On an occasion when in the Connecticut assembly, he 
was endeavoring to awaken the house to strenuous efforts in behalf 
of their Wyoming settlement, a wit penned this impromptu : 

"Canaan of old, as we are told, 
Where it did rain down Manna ; 
Wa'nt lialf so good, for heavenly food, 
As Dyer makes Susquehanna." 

His voice was a fine tenor, which he modulated with art, and he 
was an agreeable and effective debater. But this is a digression. 

Mr. Pratt having given his opinion in favour of Mr. Penn, the 
Connecticut agent propounded the following questions to the gentle- 
men whose names are subscribed to the answer. 

" Have not the said Governor and company of the colony of Con- 
necticut, the right of pre-emption, and the title under the Crown to 
the lands aforesaid, within the limits and bounds of their patent 
aforesaid, lying westward of the province of New York, and not in- 
cluded in the patent of king Charles the second to the Duke of York, 
notwithstanding the several settlements of boundaries, between the 
colony on the east, and the Province on the west, made as well by 

* There are few New England people who have-not read, and laughed at, the story of the 
Frogs in the Willimantic, connected with the name of " Col. Dyer — Elderkin too." 
6 



82 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

agreement between the parties, as under the royal authority, and 
notwithstanding the subsequent charter to Sir William Pennl 

To which they unanimously answered, " The agreement between 
the colony of Connecticut and the province of New York, can ex- 
tend no farther than to settle the boundaries between the respec- 
tive parties, and has no effect upon other claims that either of them 
had in other parts ; and as the charter to Connecticut was granted 
but eighteen years before that to Sir William Penn, there is no good 
ground to contend, that the crown could, at that period, make an 
effectual grant to him of that country, which had been so recently 
granted to others. Eat if the country had been actually settled 
under the latter grant, it would now be a matter of considerable 
doubt, whether the right of the occupiers, or the title under which 
they hold, could be impeached by a prior grant without actual 

settlement. 

(Signed) E. Thurlow, 

M. Weddeeburne, 
Rd. Jackson, 
Jn. Dunning." 

With regard to the circumstance mentioned in the latter clause 
of their answer, the reader will please to recollect, that the land now 
in dispute, was first actually settled under the foj-mer grant, and not 
the latter. 

Here then we have weighty opinions, against opinions of equal 
weight. Legal gentlemen who may honor these pages with a pe- 
rusal, will probably agree with me in sentiment, that the learned 
council in each case, gave opinions agz'eeable to the wishes of their 
respective employers ; and if they had happened to be retained on 
directly opposite sides, their opinions would have been exactly 
reversed. 

It will be then but fitting and fair, that we examine the question, 
and decide impartially for ourselves. Such examination is deemed 
more important, because I regard the whole matter mainly to rest 
on the point of charter right; for surely, if the Connecticut charter 
did not embrace the territory, it would be little short of absurdity to 
maintain that the people of that colony had any right to come within 
Mr. Penn's charter to buy lands of the Indians. Charter rights, in 
my opinion, give, as matter of course, the pre-emption or right of 
Indian purchase. 

The pride of authorship would naturally lead me, after thoroughly 
comprehending the reasoning of different writers, to remould them 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 83 

in my own language, adding whatever might appear pertinent or 
illustrative. But an argument lies before me so neat, perspicuous, 
and effective, that it would be inexcusable to change a word or 
syllable, as for a common mason to alter a finished piece of Grecian 
sculpture. It would be deemed, perhaps, too much to aver, that 
there is but one man now living who could improve the piece. A 
strong motive for presenting it entire, arises from the wish to exhibit 
to the reader an evidence that if the talents of chancellors and 
attorneys general in England were engaged on the question, abilities, 
if less distinguished, certainly not less powerful, discussed the point 
on this side the Atlantic. We have been assured that the able 
penman was endowed with powers of elocution fitted to give per- 
suasive utterance to the conceptions of his strong understanding and 
well disciplined mind. In the brightness of mid-day usefulness and 
fame, a cloud gathered round his brow. A whirlwind swept him 
from the scenes of his early triumphs, and his rising glory — scatter- 
ing his fortune, his honors and his hopes to the scorn of an unfeeling 
world; the malignant triumphs of envious foes, and the deeper 
wounding pity of a thousand friends. A false and fatal step, in- 
volving a question of integrity, sent him to die an exile in a foreign 
land. 

" No further seek liis merits to disclose, 
Or draw his frailties from their dread abode; 
There they alike in trembling hope repose, 
The bosom of his father and his God." 

But to the argument. 

" The reader being presented with a particular statement of all the 
requisite facts and documents, is now prepared to judge whether 
anything in this whole transaction, can operate as a bar of the 
Connecticut claim to the Susquehanna lands. What conclusion does 
the mind naturally draw from all these premises? Is it not this, 
that the settlement in 1650, by the arbitration of the commissioners 
of the United Colonies; that in 1664, through the intervention of 
the royal commissioners ; that in 1683, and all the succeeding settle- 
ments, were only different adjustments of the same dispute, and 
respected merely the divisionary line between New Netherlands, 
afterwards New York, and Connecticut, without the remotest re- 
lation to the question whether the charter gave Connecticut any 
lands west of the Delaware? If the determination of 1664 bars 
the right of Connecticut to the western lands, its validity must be 



84 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

founded either upon the authority of the commissioners, derived 
from the crown, or upon the consent of Connecticut, expressed by 
her agents. Let us examine the amount of each. The commission- 
ers had no authority to reduce the limits of the charter. 1st. The 
king could give them no such power ; for he had none himself, 
especially after having solemnly stipulated in this charter, that it 
should be good and effectual in law, to all intents and purposes 
whatever, and receive such construction, as should be most favor- 
able to the grantees. A charter is sacred and inviolable in its 
nature. It is not an act which may be reversed at pleasure ; but a 
solemn compact, to which there are two parties, whose joint consent 
is necessary to the revocation or alteration of it. The royal, or rather 
ministerial attempts to alter and abridge the colonial charters were 
considered illegal and unconstitutional stretches of prerogative. The 
American revolution occasioned by them, is a standing memorial 
of the light in which they ought to be viewed. 2d. The com- 
mission to Nichols and others, imports no such authority. The 
objects of the commission are expressed in the preamble. So far as 
relates to this point, there appear to be certain complaints that there 
were differences about interfering claims of limits, by reason whereof 
all the colonies did not enjoy the liberties and privileges granted to 
them by their several charters, " upon confidence and assurance of 
which, they transported themselves and their estates, into these 
parts." Here it is plain, that the intent of this commission was not 
to give or take away, not to enlarge or curtail, any charter rights ; 
but only to adjust the existing disputes about such rights, and to 
see that every one enjoyed his own peaceably and fully. 3d. This 
is made, if possible, still more evident, by the letter which the 
commissioners brought over from the king, to the colony of Con- 
necticut, in which his Majesty says, " Your liberties and privileges 
we will not suffer to be violated in the least degree ; and that they 
may not be, is the principal business of our said commissioners, as 
likewise to take care that the bounds and jurisdictions of our several 
colonies there, may be more clearly agreed upon; that every one may 
enjoy what of right belongeth unto them, without strife or contention." 
Their authority, we see, extended only to the protection of char- 
ter rights, and the adjustment of disputes respecting such rights. 
Now there were in fact, no opposite or adversary claims, as to the 
western land, covered by the Connecticut charter. No foreign 
nation had any pretens^ions to it. The Duke did not and could not 
claim it, the Delaware being expressly made his western limit. The 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. §5; 

king advanced no claim to it, and gave no intimation that he was dis- 
satisfied with his own grant of it to Connecticut. In short, there was 
no manner of dispute or contention about it. The commissioners 
therefore, a'^xording to the tenor of their commission, had nothing in 
the world to do or determine respecting it. If they did undertake to 
decide with regard to it, and to reduce the Connecticut grant, they 
exceeded their jurisdiction ; and their acts so far forth, were con- 
sequently void, unless sanctioned by the consent of Connecticut. 
Let us then see how far the colony consented. The Hartford or 
Connecticut plantation, which then acted by itself, expressed their 
assent by their agents, which could bind the colony no farther than 
these agents were authorized. A stream cannot rise higher than 
its fountain. The acts of agents must be so construed, as to be con- 
sistent with their commission ; for beyond that they are of no force. 
Now the whole amount of power delegated in this case, was merely 
" to issue the hounds between the Duke's patent, and that of the 
colony." As to the question, whether the charter did, or did not, give 
a title to the land west of the Duke's patent, that is, west of the 
Delaware river, the agents had not the smallest particle of authority 
to agree or to treat. The assent of the colony therefore, is confined 
solely to issuing the bounds between New York and Connecticut, 
that is, to settling the partitionary line. The same limitation qualified 
the assent of the New Haven jurisdiction, when they acceded to the 
united government, and to this settlement. They say, " having seen 
a copy of his Majesty's commissioners' determination, {decvling the 
hounds betwixt his Highness, the Duke of York, and Connecticut 
charier) we do declare submission thereunto." 

" Now can it be pretended with any color of reason, that this 
amounts to either a surrender of the land west of the Delaware to the 
crown, or a transfer of it to the Duke, or an authoritative determina- 
tion, that no such land was included within the charter of 1662? 
Had these documents been well attended to, I am persuaded no man 
in his senses, would ever have contended for such a wild and mon- 
strous conclusion. 

" The determination itself, taken altogether, neither expresses nor 
implies any such thing. In the first place, nothing is expressed with 
regard to the western land. It is not so much as mentioned. And 
surely a positive grant, which was to be reputed and construed in 
the most favorable sense for the grantees, was not to be taken away 
by doubtful construction and implication. 2d. The subject matter, 
which is easily learned from the circumstances of the times, is also 



86 HISTORY OP "WYOMING. 

Staled in the preamble, or recital of the instrument of determination, 
in which the commissioners say, " We have heard the differences 
about the bounds of the patents granted to his Royal Highness, the 
Duke of York, and his Majesty's colony of Connecticut,' etc. What 
they beard, and undertook to determine, was evidently nothing more 
or less than disputes existing between the Duke (who had now suc- 
ceeded to the Dutch claims and pretensions) and Connecticut, re- 
specting the bounds of their patents. These disputes, which appear 
to be all that was submitted to them, had no reference to any land, 
to which the Duke made no claim. The only interfering claims 
respected the land which was included in the Duke's patent, as well 
as that of Connecticut. Unless the determination therefore, is to 
operate upon a subject not submitted or heard, it can have no effect, 
but upon Long Island, and the land between Hudson and Connecti- 
cut rivers. 

" If this settlement is to be viewed in the light of a judicial adju- 
dication, or award of arbitrators, it was only of a controversy, or 
controversies, subsisting between the Duke and the colony. They 
were the only parties, and were present by their respective repre- 
sentatives. If we consider it rather as an agreement, it was still 
between the same, and no other parties. And can a judgment, or 
an agreement between any two parties, respecting their mutual de- 
mands, be conclusive, as to the claims or disputes, which may then 
exist, or afterwards arise, between either of them and another party? 
Common sense and common law answer in the negative. 

" Though the terms ' western bounds of the colony of Connecti- 
cut,' are used in the report, they are certainly to be understood 
with reference to the subject matter, about which they are so used, 
and in connection with the whole instrument. — They are explained 
and limited by the words which immediately follow — " And the 'plan- 
tations lying westward of that creek and line, so drawn, to be under 
his Royal Highnesses government, and all plantations lying eastward 
of that creek and line, to he under the government of Connecticut.''^ 
How far eastward is the country here adjudged to Connecticut? 
The expression is not limited, unless it be by the limits of the com- 
missioners' authority, or the subject of this their determination. 
Could Connecticut, by virtue of it, claim Rhode Island, for example, 
because it lies eastward of that creek and line, though it was not 
within the submission? Or, to take an instance exactly in point, 
could this determination be pleaded in bar against the claim of the 
Duke to the tract of country at St. Croix, or Nantucket, or Martha's 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 87^ 

Vineyard, which was granted to him, by his charter, because that 
tract is situated eastward of the line here specified? If not, then 
neither can the expression " western bounds of the colony of Con- 
necticut," be a bar to the claim of Connecticut, to land lying west 
of the Duke's patent, and covered by their charter. This conclusion 
appears, to my mind, to be irresistible. The whole determination 
must be interpreted in the same limited or unlimited sense. 

" But the only true, natural, and legal construction of the settle- 
ment, is, that it was, and was understood and intended to be, co-ex- 
tensive with the dispute submitted, which was relative merely to 
Long Island, and the tract of country east of Hudson's river, and 
west of Connecticut river ; or, if viewed in the utmost extent, east 
of Delaware and west of Narragansett, beyond which the claims of 
the two parties did not, and could not interfere. Mamaroneck 
creek, and a north north-west line drawn from thence to Massachu- 
setts, was determined and consented to be the line of division, that 
is, the eastern bounds of New York, and the western bounds of Con- 
necticut ; as to the controverted territory, so much of which as lay 
east of that line, was to be considered as belonging to that colony, 
and so much of it as lay west, to the Duke, and that according to 
the true intent of the two charters taken together. As to Nantucket, 
Martha's Vineyard, St. Croix, or any plantation or place, which 
lay east of the claim of Connecticut, this determination has no opera- 
tion, notwithstanding the generality of the phrase, that, " all plan- 
tations eastward of that line were to be under Connecticut." With 
regard to those plantations, the Duke's claim was left, to be after- 
wards controverted and decided on its original merits. So, likewise, 
notwithstanding the generality of the phrase, " the western bounds 
of the colony of Connecticut," any lands west of the Duke's claim, 
and within the limits of the Connecticut charter, were entirely out 
of this determination, and the title to them consequently was left to 
be disputed and determined upon its own original merits. 

" This is the sense in which a Judge or a Juror, a Lawyer or a 
man unacquainted with law, would understand it. — For the truth of 
the remark, I appeal to the candid reader; and would confidently 
risk the whole controversy upon the appeal." 

The most conspicuous and able writers on behalf of the Pennsyl- 
vania claim, were the Rev. Dr. Smith, and Tench Coxe, Esq. The 
former, distinguished for learning, eloquence and eccentricity, lent 
his pen to the subject before the Revolution ; the latter, highly in- 
telligent, indefatigable in whatever cause he engaged, entered into 



88 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

the controversy with a zeal that left no source of information unex- 
plored, and with an ability that gave to his facts the most powerful 
impression. All the proceedings of the government of Connecticut 
were very fairly scrutinized for matter to show a waver on the part 
of that colony, of any right west of New York. Two points made 
by those gentlemen, and regarded as important, especially demand 
attention. 

First, — That in reply to a message sent by Mr. John Armstrong,*' 
by Gov. Hamilton of Pennsylvania, Gov. Wolcott of Connecticut, in 
a letter dated Windsor, March 13, 17.54, wrote thus: " Some of our 
inhabitants hearing of this land at Susquehanna, and that it was 
north of the grant made to Mr. Penn, and that to Virginia, are upon 
a design of making a purchase of the Indians, and hope to obtain a 
grant of it from the Crown. This appearing a design to promote 
his Majesty's interests and render the country more defensible we 
were all wishers to it. But Mr. Armstrong informs me that this is 
certainly within Mr. Penn's grant. If so, I dont suppose our people 
had any purpose to quarrel with Pennsylvanians." 

A tart sarcasm on the supposed folly of this epistle, is all we find 
in the ardent pages of the advocate for the Connecticut claim. May 
it not be regarded a stroke of policy, to lull the jealousy of Mr. Penn's 
government ? There is nothing so very explicit in its wording as to 
be taken as a formal abjuration of claim. — " I dont suppose our peo- 
ple had any purpose to quarrel with Pennsylvanians !" 

Second, — That in 1761, in reply to certain inquiries sent out from 
the king to the Governors of the several colonies, one of which was 
to ascertain the extent of their respective boundaries. Gov. Fitch 
of Connecticut answered — " That the colony was bounded west by 
New York !" — It was therefore assumed, and powerfully urged, that 
this was either an acknowledgment that the charter limits never ex- 
tended beyond the Delaware ; or was to be regarded as a solemn re- 
linquishment of such claims. 

Mr. Avery, who treats this point more fully than any other writer, 
on behalf of Connecticut, sets forth, — 

" That the Committee of Assembly drew the reply stating, as was 
the usual answer, that the colony was bounded by their charter, to 
which they referred : — that so worded, the report was adopted. That 
the subject was then handed over to the Executive, to receive pro- 



* The name of John Armstrong will appear frequently in these pages, and his character 
more fully developed hereafter. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 89 

per form, and be forwarded in reply. That Governor Fitch, without 
authority, of his own mere motion, so changed the matter as to de- 
clare, " That the colony was bounded on the west by New York." 
That when discovered, a universal burst of censure pervaded the 
colony. Gov. Fitch was left out at the nest election, Mr. Pitkin be- 
ing chosen in his place ; and that from this fall he never recovered." 
Mr. Avery adds, but gives no authority for the opinion, that Gov. 
F. was supposed to have received a bribe of twelve hundred dollars 
for this abjuration of claim west of New York. In the absence of 
any proof, this imputation we should deem unfounded. Who would 
have given a sum so considerable for an opinion which could weigh 
so little in a solemn adjudication of the question? It seems much 
more probable that Gov. Fitch supposed the inquiries related to the 
settled parts of the colony ; as a man, when asked the size of his plan- 
tation, answers two hundred acres, not thinking it pertinent to the 
inquiry to speak of unimproved out lots of one thousand acres, which 
he may possess. 

Justice demands of us to record some further objections, made by 
Dr. Smith and Mr. Coxe, to which the replies of adverse writers fur- 
nish so little of interest to detain the reader, that a brief remark will 
be sufficient to dispose of each. 

Objection first. That the Susquehanna Company never had a for- 
mal grant from the colony of Connecticut. 

Second. That the colony of Connecticut received nothing from the 
Company as a consideration for those lands. 

Third. That the Company made their purchase of the Indians, 
contrary to the laws of Connecticut. 

Fourth. That the king, in 1763, forbid the settling this territory. 

In reply to the first three objections, it may be said to be matter 
exclusively between the Susquehanna Company and the colony, or 
State. The whole proceedings of the Company having, again and 
again, received the most full and explicit recognition and confirma- 
tion from the Connecticut government. 

In reply to the fourth, it may be asked, after the king had granted 
the lands by charter, what authority had he reserved to forbid the 
settlement? 

In conclusion. The Connecticut charter was granted in 1662. 
That to William Penn, in 1681 — nineteen years afterwards. 



LETTER VIII. 



Susquehanna Company's Indian Purchase — Runs the gauntlet — Keenly assailed — Spiritedly 
defended — Proceedings in Council — Peter Hendrick's Speech — Letters from Gov. Morris 
and R-ichard Peters, Esq. — Purchase of Pennsylvania at Fort Stanwix — Fierce assaults 
on that Deed, by Connecticut claimants — Close of Documentary testimony. 



Thb Susquehanna Company's purchase, and their Indian Deed, has 
now to run the gauntlet through a long array of intelligent, well dis- 
ciplined, and eager controversialists. 

My best efforts have been directed to simplify and arrange. Thus 
a general outline of the Indian history has been given by itself, down 
to 1770, embracing events in which the whites were concerned, so 
far only as seemed indispensable. 

Then we have set forth a clear general view of the Pennsylvania 
and Connecticut claims. 

Thirdly, We have taken up, in detail, the Connecticut Claim. 
First, by Charter, and considered the objections thereto. Keeping 
separate the consideration of the title by purchase of the Indians, we 
now proceed to that interesting topic. 

In our opening, we have stated that the Susquehanna Company 
claim to have purchased of eighteen chief sachems, representing the 
Six Nations, in open treaty, at the colonial Congress, held at Albany, 
in July, 1753, the disputed territory on the Susquehanna. 

The purchase awakened the greatest alarm in the Proprietary 
Government, and steps were immediately taken to counteract the 
effects of a measure so pernicious, if not fatal, to their interests. 
Some facts of unquestionable authenticity, are, at this time, wholly 
inexplicable. The Susquehanna Company advanced to their object, 
not in secret, but openly avowing their purpose. Indeed, their being 
eight hundred original proprietors, each of whom must be taxed to 
raise the requisite funds, all notions of secrecy, even, if ever thought 
politic, must have been deemed impossible. The letter of Governor 



HISTORY OP WYOMING, I 91 

Hamilton, sent by Armstrong, to Gov. Wolcott, previously quoted, 
shows that the Government of Pennsylvania was fully apprised of 
the purpose of the Connecticut people. Why then was not the 
Treaty of Albany prevented 1 If done in opposition to the wishes 
of the Six Nations, there assembled in full council, why did not those 
nations, on the remonstrance of the respectable Pennsylvania Dele- 
gation, disavow the Deed, and inflict condign punishment on those 
Indians, who had presumed to speak and act in the name of the 
whole Confederacy, and to dispose of one hundred and twenty 
miles, by seventy, of the territory, embracing nearly five millions 
of acres ? 

In truth the Delegates from Pennsylvania were neither faithless 
nor idle. The utmost efforts were made to prevent the sale to the 
Susquehanna Company, and to purchase the lands for the Proprie- 
tary Government. In their report, made the 6th of August, after 
their return to Philadelphia, is the following sentence : — " The Com- 
missioners of Pennsylvania, having held a private treaty with the 
Six Nations, whilst at Albany, for the purchase of lands," etc. Their 
Report was read, and ordered to be entered on the minutes. Efforts, 
it appears, were made July 4th and 5th, to induce the chiefs to sell 
them the Wyoming lands, to which they steadily refused to accede. 

There were two chiefs of the Mohawks by the Dutch name of 
Hendrick ; one of whom signed the Susquehanna Deed ; the other, 
Peter Hendrick, an eloquent sachem, and warrior of great note, 
being in the Proprietary interest, made the following reply to the 
urgent application of the Commissioners ; — " We have heard, since 
we came here that our brother Onas, (Sir Wm. Penn having received 
that name on first landing, it meaning, in the Indian language, a 
quill or pen,) and our brothers of New England, have had some dis- 
pute about the lands of Susquehanna, a dispute of the same kind as 
that of the Governor of Canada and Assaragoah; but we desire you 
would not differ with one another about it, for neither shall have it. 
We will not part with it to either of you — we will reserve it for our 
western Indians to live on." 

From this declaration, placed on record, opposing advocates draw 
different conclusions. On behalf of the Proprietaries, it is claimed 
as evidence that the head chiefs of the Six Nations refused to sell, 
and could not, therefore, have concurred in Lydius's purchase. 

On the Connecticut side, it is said : — " This was not in open Coun- 
cil, but in secret Treaty. Peter Hendrick had been won over to 
Pennsylvania's interest, but went alone. It does not appear that any 
other chief concurred with him. The declaration that they would 



// 



92 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

keep Wyoming for their western Indians, a matter too improbable 
to be worth a moments consideration, showing that Hendrick meant 
nothing, or more probably did not know what he meant. 

But at those secret conferences, the Commissioners made a pur- 
chase of lands, between the Blue Mountains, and the Forks of the 
Susquehanna, (at Fort Augusta, Sunbury,) of course below the tract 
sold to the Connecticut people. 

" Behold," says Avery, " This purchase made in the dark, is un- 
questioned, and unquestionable — good beyond doubt — fair beyond 
all controversy ! while the openly obtained Deed of the Susquehanna 
Company, is a nullity, forsooth !" 

Sir William Johnson, principal Agent of the king, for Indian 
affairs, lent the whole weight of his influence to render nugatory the 
Susquehanna Company's Deed. A letter from the Governor of Penn- 
sylvania, dated Nov. 15th, 1754, requested him "to induce the In- 
dians, if possible, to deny the regularity of the contract," and to this 
end, by all means, " to win over, effectually, Peter Hendrick to his 
interest, and prevail on him to visit Philadelphia." Gov. Morris 
wrote, himself, to Hendrick. The letter is too important to be 
omitted. 

" Some matters of great moment to this Government, as well as to 
the Indians of the Six Nations, having lately fallen out, which makes 
it necessary for me to have a private conference with you, before I 
can proceed to give public notice to them of my arrival here ; and 
as you was so good as to promise to the Commissioners, when at 
Albany, that you would, at the request of Goverment, come at any 
time to Philadelphia and give your sentiments on any thing that 
might be proposed for the public service, I now earnestly desire 
that you would favour us with a visit, in order to consult on some 
affairs, in which the safety of the Indians, and His Majesty's colo- 
nies are very much concerned, that cannot be done by message, but 
must first be communicated to you in personal conference. If you 
should incline to take with you one or two of your best friends, it 
will be the more agreeable. Mr. Daniel Clause is well acquainted 
with the nearest and best roads to this city, and he has my directions 
to accompany you, furnish the necessaries, and make every thing as 
agreeable to you as possible." 

" Behold !" says the Connecticut Advocate ; " A single chief is 
invited to Philadelphia — Heaven and earth are to moved ! The aid 
of Sir Wm. Johnson is invoked ! Hendrick is requested to bring 
one or two of his best friends ; not more ! — Daniel Clause wiW furnish 
the necessaries ! He will make evei-y thing as agreeable as possible !" 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 9g 

Sir Wm. Johnson in his reply to the Governor, says : — " I have 
been honored with yours of the 15th ultimo, by Mr. Daniel Clause, 
whom I immediately sent to call Hendrick to my house. Upon his 
arrival, I delivered and interpreted your Honour's letter, or instruc- 
tions to him, and urged his waiting on you immediately, which when 
he agreed to, I spoke to him concerning the affair as far as I judged 
necessary; and I flatter myself it will have a good effect, he having 
faithfully promised me to exert himself, and use his utmost endea- 
vours for the interest of the Proprietaries against the Connecticut 
attempt. After my expatiating some time on the injustice of their 
proceedings, more especially so, after what had passed at Albany, 
last June, Hendrick then, with some warmth, disapproved of them, 
as well as the weakness of those of his brethren who were seduced 
by Lydius, and promised to do all he could to make them revoke or 
retract what they had so shamefully done." 

•' Mark !" say the Connecticut advocates, " the means used, and 
the influences brought to bear, to destroy the effect of a miscalled 
deed, clandestinely obtained of a few drunken Indians !" 

Measures being adopted in Connecticut, to commence a settlement 
at Wyoming, Mr. John Armstrong was again sent as an aorent to 
that colony to gather all the information in his power. He was 
also the bearer of a letter from Governor Morris to the Governor 
of Connecticut, in which the former again refers to the deed from 
the Six Nations to William Penn, dated October 11, 1736, and to 
the engagement then made by the Indians to sell all the lands in 
Pennsylvania to William Penn, and to no one else ; after which he 
proceeds to say : — 

" You will give me leave further to observe to you, that the Six 
Nations at the late Congress at Albany, in open council mentioned 
an application then made to them by agents from Connecticut for 
the purchase of some of the Susquehanna lands, and that they had 
absolutely refused to give any ear to such proposal, telling the seve- 
ral governments then present by their commissioners, that they 
were determined the lands at a place called Wyomink on the Sus- 
quehanna, should not be settled, but reserved for a place of retreat." 
He further observes : " Notwithstanding which, I am informed that 
Mr. John Lydius, who is known to be a Roman Catholic, and in the 
French interest, has been since employed by some people of your 
province, to purchase from the Indians some lands within this 
government : that he has in a clandestine manner, by every unfair 
means, prevailed on some few Indians to whom he secretly applied. 



94 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

to sign a deed for a considerable part of the lands of this province, 
including those at Wyomink. And as we stand engaged to the Six 
Nations by treaty, neither to settle the lands at Wyomink, or suffer 
them to be settled, this government thought it proper (among other 
things) to inform the Indians that those people were not authorized 
or even countenanced by this government, and their attempts were 
disavowed by the government of Connecticut, and were to be looked 
upon as a lawless set of people, for whose conduct no government 
is accountable." 

On the return of Mr. Armstrong, he communicated the information 
obtained, and among other things curious, and worthy to be known, 
which we have found no where else so fully stated — That " there 
were formerly five hundred subscribers to the Susquehanna Com- 
pany at seven dollars each, to which are now added three hundred 
at nine dollars each." The aggregate would be 6200 dollars. The 
consideration in the Indian deed was stated to be two thousand 
pounds. New York currency — or five thousand dollars ; which, from 
this exhibition of the funds of the company, seems probable — leaving 
twelve hundred dollars for contingent expenses. 

Letters from Conrad Weiser, a celebrated Indian interpreter, much 
employed by the Proprietaries, written to the Governor, dated the 
16th, and 27th October, 1754, and entered by order of council on the 
records, are too important to be passed over without notice. The 
following are extracts : — 

"As to the Connecticut affair, I am clear of opinion, that, by 
order of the Governor, you should write to Hendrick, putting him 
in mind of his promise he made to the commissioners of this pro- 
vince in Albany, when he said he would come down to us upon any 
occasion, to advise with the Governor, as in the presence of the 
Most High. That the Governor wants to see him in this critical 
time about matters of moment. Daniel Clause might come with 
him. He knows the way by land. If Hendrick refuses to come, he 
may be suspected to have a hand in it ; and we must then act by 
Shickalamy and Jonathan, and as secret as possible, otherwise Ly- 
dius, and that wicked priest at Canojoharry, will defeat our designs, 
I would advise in the mean time, to have belts of wampum provided, 
and two or three large belts all black. You will want a couple to 
send to the south before long, and one must be made use of to de- 
molish Lydius's proceedings. Mr. Clause must be ordered to keep 
every thing relating to this affair as a secret, and to search very dili- 
gently whether Henry had any hand in signing the deed to the Con- 



HISTORY OP WYOMING, 95 

necticut people. If he had not, we shall succeed without doubt. 
He must have liberty to bring one or more Indians with him. If 
all wont do, and that Hendrick will not come, we must send to 
Onondago next spring, &c. 

According to the invitation so pressingly given, Hendrick and ten 
other Indians came to Philadelphia. 

" In Council, January 15, 1755. The council advised the Governor, 
that after thanking Hendrick and the Indians accompanying him, for 
this undertaking, etc., to mention these several points, viz : to state 
sundry matters relative to the grant of Pennsylvania, their deed from 
Governor Dungan, their deed or promise of the right of pre-emption, 
1736, etc., and lastly, of the deed to the Connecticut people from the 
Six Nations, that it is incumbent on them to represent this matter 
to the government of Connecticut, and to insist that the deed be 
delivered up by Lydius, by order of that Government, as a fraud and 
imposition." 

'^Extract of Hendrick^s Speech, January 15, 1755. We have 
considered what you said to us about the deceitful deed which John 
Lydius inveigled some of us to sign. We agree with you that the 
deed should be destroyed. We agree with you that it is a false pro- 
ceeding. We will give you our assistance; but you know that we can- 
not destroy the deed ourselves. That would be another mistake. It 
would be to do as bad as they have done. It must be the act of the 
Council of the Six Nations. We will think of the proper means. We 
advise the Governor to send for two deputies from each, or of every 
nation, to meet here, or at Albany, to kindle a council fire, to find out 
a way to oblige Connecticut to discountenance the deed," etc. 

" In Council, January 17, 1755. The Governor, Mr. Peters, and 
Mr. Weiser, had many conferences with the Indians, in which it was 
considered, what might be the proper methods for the Indians to take, 
in order to invalidate the deed of Lydius, etc. Among other things, 
it was proposed, that at the Council of Onondago, this affair should 
be mentioned, and Lydius's deed declared to be no deed of the Six 
Nations ; and to prevent this, and other like attempts, that it should 
be proposed by the Council of Onondago, to convey to the Pro- 
prietaries, by a formal deed, the lands lying within the province of 
Pennsylvania, etc. The Indians consented to this, and engaged to 
confer with Col. Johnson first, and to settle everything with him, of 
which he should acquaint the Governor; and when the matter 
should be brought to effect, then Mr. Weiser and Mr. Peters might 
come to Col. Johnson," etc. 



96 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

Extract of a letter from Gov. Morris to Col. Johnson, dated Phila- 
delphia, January 22, 1755. 

" Sir, — I am favored with yours by Hendrick, and heartily thank 
you for the part you have been so good as to take in the Con- 
necticut affair. Hendrick has been very explicit on the subject ; and 
I have entertained him and his companions in the best manner I 
could. You will give me leave to refer you to a letter you will 
receive with this, from Mr. Peters, for the particulars that have pass- 
ed here, and for the plan that we have agreed to prosecute, to put 
an end to this affair ; in which I hope for the continuance of your 
friendly offices. You will observe, we propose that the Six Nations 
should be invited to send deputies to your house early in the spring, 
with full powers to treat and agree upon this matter, relative to 
the purchase of Lydius, and to prevent the like for the future, 
when I shall send commissioners to meet them, and it will give 
me particular pleasure, if you will permit me to name you in the 
commission." 

Extract of a Letter from Richard Peters to Col. Johnson, dated 

January 23, 1755. 

" He (speaking of Hendrick) told me you had made him a hearty 
friend to this Province, and would join with and support him in any 
measures, which the Government of Pennsylvania should advise, to 
get rid of this Connecticut Deed. — I heartily thank you for this sin- 
gular kindness. In consideration of this hearty concurrence of yours 
and the Mohock, his Honour, the Governor, gave Hendrick a belt, 
with a string of wampum tied to it. By the belt he was asked to 
undertake, along with you, the breaking of the Connecticut Deed. 
And for that purpose, and because there is no other way in the world 
to get rid of it, he was further desired to consider with you, what 
will be the best method to procure the meeting of a Council at your 
house, as soon as possible, to consist of two or three Deputies from 
each nation, and no more, in order to consult together of the most 
effectual manner how to do it. And by the string you are desired 
to convene such a Council. 

" We further intimated to Hendrick, and now inform you, that to 
get rid of this Deed, we cannot devise any other method that will be 
effectual, unless the Six Nations in Council, will execute a convey- 
ance to the Proprietaries, of all the lands lying within their grant, 
on such conditions, and in such manner, as shall be agreed on, at 
youx house. And to show the Indians, and yourself their just inten- 



HISTORY OF WYOMIJSra. 97 

tions, they propose to name you one of the Commissioners, with Mr. 
Penn and myself. 

"Hendrick seems to approve much of this proposal; and I believe 
the more you think of the matter, the more you will be persuaded 
that no other way can do the thing effectually. If it meets with 
your approbation, which I hope it will do, the Governor begs the 
favour of you to summon a Council, at your house, and leaves it to you 
to fix the time, and to take such measures with the Indians previous 
to the meeting, as you and Hendrick shall think proper. It is 
thought that more than three deputies need not come from any one 
nation ; but that there should be three from each." 

The purpose so sedulously pursued was not finally accomplished 
until Nov. 5th, 1768, when at a treaty held at Fort Stanwix, the 
Proprietaries obtained a deed from the Six Nations, of the Susque- 
hanna lands, being the same previously claimed to have been con- 
veyed to the Susquehanna Company. 

Pennsylvania was no longer in pursuit. She had carried off the 
prize. Victory perched on her standard: And forthwith all con- 
cerned in the Connecticut claim, opened in full cry to run down the 
Indian Deed of Fort Stanwix. " That wicked Priest of Canojo- 
harry," as he is termed by Mr. Weiser, the Rev. Jacob Johnson, 
appears first upon the tapis, and makes the following affidavit: — 
" That some time in the month of November, 1768, he was present at 
a Treaty, held at Fort Stanwix, with the Indians of the Six Nations, 
and that Sir William Johnson, Superintendant of the Six Nations, 
John Penn, Governor of Pennsylvania, Gov. Franklin, of New Jersey, 
Col. Eljzur Fitch, of Windham, and the chiefs of the Six Nations, 
Seguanathua, a Tuscarora chief, and chief speaker, and many other 
persons were present — that the business of the treaty was to settle a 
division line between the claims of the King and the Indians, and to 
distribute a donation sent by the King, as Sir William Johnson 
informed the deponent, by letter and express — that this deponent 
was at that time a missionary to the Indians of the Six Nations, and 
resided at the Oneida Upper Castle — that Gov. John Penn, at this 
time, by the agency of Sir William Johnson, endeavored to obtain 
from the Indians a deed of the lands on the Susquehanna — that 
several private consultations were had with the said chiefs, from 
which this deponent was excluded, and that there was no agent pre- 
sent at said treaty, to represent the State of Connecticut or the Sus- 
quehanna Company. That this deponent, during the treaty, was 
7 



98 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

informed by several of the Indians present, that Gov. Penn wanted 
the Indians present to give him a deed of the lands on the Susque- 
hanna, and they replied that they had given the New England white 
people, a deed of the same lands, and had received their pay for the 
same, and could not sell the same again. But they said they had 
agreed to give Gov. Penn, a deed of the same land, because Sir 
William Johnson had told them that their former conveyance to the 
New England white people was unlawful — that they had no right to 
purchase that land, which was within Penn's Charter, and Penn 
alone had the right of purchasing the same — that near the end of the 
treaty the deponent well recollects to have heard Seguanathua, chief 
speaker, in a public speech declare the same reasons as above said — 
for selling the land a second time, which was publicly interpreted by 
Sir William Johnson." 

Col. Elizur Fitch, of Windham, was present in the Penn interest. 
I am not able to learn whether this gentleman was the Governor of 
Connecticut, of that name, who, in 1761, had bounded that colony, 
west, by New York, or a relative. If either, the fact may throw a 
ray of light on that transaction. 

The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, an Indian missionary, also deposeth — 
" That he attended the Treaty with the Five Nations, held at Fort 
Stanwix, in the year 1768, for several of the last days of the treaty, 
and that on his arrival on the ground, the Rev. Jacob Johnson, then 
a missionary to the Oneida's, told the deponent that he had been for- 
bid by Sir William Johnson to sit in Council with the Indians, and 
that Col. Butler, and several others had given him the same informa- 
tion — that several Indian chiefs told the deponent, at that time, that 
they had sold the Susquehanna land to the Pennsylvanians, and that 
they were finally induced to do it, by the council and advice of the 
Commissioners, urging that the Connecticut people had done wrong 
in coming over the line of Pennsylvania, to buy land of the Indians — 
that it Vi^as, however, not effected without great difficulty. At the 
close of the business, the Indians were called upon to execute the 
writings, which were not publicly read in the English language, but 
one of the Mohock chiefs gave a brief statement of their general pur- 
port in the Indian language ; and the deponent further saith, that 
one of the Christian Indians, of the Oneida nation, by name, Theon- 
dintha, or Thomas, some months after said treaty, voluntarily and of 
his own mere motion, told the deponent that some undue influence 
had been made use of, at said treaty, respecting said land ; that he, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 99 

himself, namely, Thomas, had been the subject of this undue in- 
fluence, and nine or ten more Indian chiefs were in the same predica- 
ment, and that he felt much troubled in his mind about it." 

One of the fairest and ablest writers in favour of the Susquehanna 
company, observes : — ' Conscious that the purchase at Fort Stanwix 
was radically defective, they resolved to make one more effort, to 
procure from the Indians a public disavowal of the Connecticut deed, 
and an acknowledgment of their own. In 1775 a treaty was held at 
Albany, with those Indians, under the authority of Congress, by Mes- 
sieurs Woolcot, Schuyler, Edwards, Francis and Dow, to explain to 
them the causes of the American war. Col. Francis was a Pennsyl- 
vanian, a claimant of large tracts of the contested land, a leader of 
the opposition to the Connecticut settlers, and a principal agent of 
Penn. Notwithstanding, the Commissioners, by their interpreter, 
had told the Indians that nothing was to be said or done at the 
treaty, concerning lands, yet Col. Francis, towards the close of it, 
sent for Tegohagwanda and two other Onondago chiefs, to his lodg- 
ings at Mr. Bloodgood's, together with Thomas Fulmer, the Inter- 
preter employed by the Commissioners. Mr. Fulmer, in his affidavit, 
swears, that after some preleminary conversation about the Susque- 
hanna lands, " Col. Francis said, did you not sell those lands to the 
Pennsylvanians, and receive a Beaver skin full of dollars for them? 
To this one of the chiefs made answer, and said, no, we sold them to 
the Westernlonians (that is Bostonians, the name by which the New 
England provinces were called among the Five Nations) and we re- 
ceived the Beaver skin full of dollars from them. There was not 
any person present at this private meeting but Col. Francis, this 
deponent, and the three Indian chiefs before named. At the close 
of this meeting Col. Francis enjoined it upon the Indians, and the 
deponent likewise, not to tell any one that he had said this to them 
about the Susquehanna lands," The said Fulmer, in another place, 
swears further, concerning this interview, " that they smoked and 
discoursed together for some time, until the Indians appeared to this 
deponent to be considerably in liquor, when Col. Francis told them 
Gov. Penn had requested him to ask the Onondagos, who had first 
bought the lands called Wywamick, the said Gov. Penn, or the 
New England people? that the said Indian chief thereupon answer- 
ed, that he had heard, from his uncle, that Gov. Penn had bought 
the lands on the east side of the Susquehanna, and that he did not 
know whether the New England people had bought any lands or 
not. That the said Col. Francis further asked the said Indian chief, 



100 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

if he did not know how many dollars Gov. Penn had paid at Fort 
Stanwix, for said lands 1 The said Indian answered that he had not 
seen all the money, yet he had heard that he paid 10,000 dollars- — 
That the said Col. Francis thereupon asked the said Indian whether 
he would on the following day, in the public conference, when the 
other business was done, declare the same in public, but not mention 
his name? Which the said Indian promised to do. — Whereupon 
Col. Francis told him, if he did that, he and Gov. Penn would make 
a present to the Onondago Indians. Which said discourse, at the 
request of Col Francis, was interpreted between them by this depo- 
nent. That when the Indians left his lodgings, he presented them 
with a bottle of rum. And this deponent further saith, that on the 
following day, in the public conference, the said Onondago chief 
made mention of the sale of these lands ; but this deponent hath 
understood from the other Indians that it was without their know- 
ledge." 

"The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, in his affidavit, respecting this speech 
or declaration of the Indian chief, deposeth, that it was received 
with many marks of disapprobation and some degree of resentment, 
expressed by many Indians, of the best character in said nation, 
saying it was entirely foreign to the business of the treaty, and 
known beforehand only to a few individuals, and several Indians 
soon told the deponent, that upon their complaining to their chief 
speaker Tegohagwanda, and his chief Black Cap, of the impropriety 
of such a piece of conduct, at that time, they replied that the Indi- 
ans were not to blame — that it originated wholly from the white 
people, and they were importuned and pressed hard to make the 
speech. A few hours after Thomas Fulmer, interpreter at said 
treaty, told the deponent that Col. Francis sent for him to his lodg- 
ings, the evening before, and had a private conference with the 
Onondago chiefs upon the subject, and prevailed upon them to make 
the speech." 

Here closes the documentary evidence respecting those two ad- 
verse and conflicting Indian deeds, too important to be omitted ; and 
which cannot fail from the interesting facts disclosed, amply to repay 
a careful perusal. 

It addition, it is proper to say — that on the part of Pennsylvania, 
it is strenuously contended that the right of pre-emption before men- 
tioned, granted by the Six Nations in 1736, of all lands within their 
charter, precluded them from selling, and making a valid convey- 
ance to the Susquehanna Company. So strongly was this pre- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 101 

emption right relied on, that in the exhibition of claim at Trenton, it 
was alone mentioned, of her Indian grounds of claim — the subsequent 
deed of 1768 not being adverted to. 

To this it is replied — that the Indians then, and long after, sup- 
posed the claim of Mr. Penn not to extend above the Blue Moun- 
tains in a direction towards Wyoming. 

On the part of Pennsylvania it was contended that Governor 
Dungan of New York, had obtained a pre-emption right to those 
lands, and sold the same to the Pennsylvania Proprietaries. 

That the descriptive part of the Susquehanna deed was written 
on an erasure. 

To this it was answered : The alteration took place before signing, 
at the desire of the Indians ; that it lessened, instead of increasing 
the boundaries. That the deed was left by Col. Dyer in the hands 
of an agent in England, from whom it was, as is alleged, unfairly 
obtained by the opposite party, who had it in possession in Phila- 
delphia in 1782, and could, and would have produced it at the 
Trenton trial, if it had been vitiated by interlineation ; and that as 
they did not, the presumptions were all in favour of its fairness. 

Surprise having been expressed, that the Six Nations should so 
readily have made (or, if you please, permitted to be made in their 
name,) a deed for the contested territory, against the remonstrance 
of the Pennsylvania commissioners ; and the still more powerful 
influence of urgent solicitations to sell to them ; we beg leave to 
advert to a suggestion previously made, viz : that the Pennsylvania 
Proprietaries were not favorites of the Six Nations, for the reason 
that they had declined to recognize the Delawares as their sub- 
jects, but had persisted in regarding them as an independent people, 
and as such making treaties, and purchasing lands of them. Pride, 
jealousy, revenge, the strongest motives that sway the savage 
breast, would lead them to thwart the v*^ishes, and counteract the 
policy of the Proprietaries, and throw themselves into the embrace 
of the subtle Yankees. 

The Six Nations being admitted by both parties to have been 
the original owners of the land, the public or a jury of the country 
will decide, which of the two deeds was valid, and conveyed the 
soil, that at Albany of July 11, 1754, to the Susquehanna Com- 
pany, or that of November 5, 1768, at Fort Stanwix, to the Penn- 
sylvania Proprietaries. The reader will remember that, as a his- 
torian, meaning to be as impartial as early convictions, and long 
cherished prejudice will admit, I only claim, that there were such 



102 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

reasoable grounds to believe the Connecticut title just, as that very 
honest men might have given their assent thereto, and be justified 
in taking every legal means to assert and defend it, until the question 
could be legally adjudicated. 

The great trial at Trenton will be fully considered in due chro- 
nological order ; when unimpeachable facts will be presented, lead- 
ing to irresistible conclusions, which will create astonishment through- 
out both Connecticut and Pennsylvania. 

Note. — The letter of Mr. Peters to Col. Johnson is entitled to special consideration. Hend- 
rick enters thoroughly into the wishes of the Proprietary Government. He had been " made 
a hearty friend." He would join with Col. Johnson, and support him in any measures 
which the Government of Pennsylvania should advise, to get rid of the Connecticut deed." 
"Because there was no other way in the world to get rid of it, he was further desired to 
consider with you what will be the best method to procure the meeting of a council." 
What council 1 Look back to Hendrick's speech, January 15, V. 35. " We agree with 
you that the deed should be destroyed. We agree with you that it is a false proceeding. 
We will give you our assistance, but you know that we cannot destroy the deed our- 
selves. That would be another mistake. It would be to do as bad as they have done. 
It must be the act of the Council of the Six Nations." 

The remarks are too obvious to escape attention, and they weigh on the mind with too 
much force to be suppressed. That if the deed had been fraudulent, if it had been without 
adequate consideration — if it had been agreed upon not " at any public council, but of little 
knots of unauthorized chiefs," no such difficulties would have interposed themselves to its 
instant, indignant abjuration. 

It may be instructive as well as amusing to contrast the 2000 pounds paid by the 
Susquehanna Company, with the consideration paid the Indians for land below the 
mountains. 

The deed to William PenUj to which we in particular refer, was given in 1685, and 
ran thus : — 

" This Indenture witnesseth, that We, Packenah, Jarckham, Sikals, Partquesott, 
Jervis, Essepenauk, Felktroy, Heckellappan, Econus, Machloha, Mettheonga, Wissa, 
Powey, Indian Kings, Sachemakers, right owners of all lands, from duiugquingus, 
called Duck Creek, unto Upland, called Chester Creek, all along by the west side of 
Delaware river, and so between the said creeks backwards as far as a man can ride in two 
days with a horse, for and in consideration of these following goods to us in hand paid, and 
secured to be paid by William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of the province of Pennsyl- 
vania and territories thereof, viz: 20 guns, 20 fathoms match-coat, 20 fathoms Stroud water, 
20 blankets, 20 kettles, 20 pounds powder, 100 bars of lead, 40 tomahawks, 100 knives, 40 
pairs of stockings, 1 barrel of beer, 20 pounds red lead, 100 fathoms wampum, .30 glass 
bottles, 30 pewter spoons, 100 awl blades, 300 tobacco pipes, 100 hands of tobacco, 20 tobacco 
tongs, 20 steels, 300 flints, 30 pair of scissors, 30 combs, GO looking glasses, 200 needles, 
one skipple of salt, 30 pounds sugar, 5 gallons molasses, 20 tobacco boxes, 100 jewsharps, 
20 hoes, 30 gimblets, 30 wooden screw boxes, 100 string of beads. — Do hereby acknowledge, 
etc., given under our hands, &c., at New Castle, second day of the eighth month, 1685.'" 



LETTEE IX. 



Commencement of Settlement, 1769 — First Pennymite War — Conspicuous men of the two 
parties marshalled for the field — Capt. Zebulon Butler, Col. John Durkee — Denison, the 
Gores, M'Dowell, Shoemaker, Stewart and others, on the part of the Yankees. Capt. 

f Amos Ogden ; John Jennings, Esq., Charles Stewart, with Clayton, Francis, Dick, 
Morris, Ledlie and Craig, on the part of Mr. Penn — Capt. Ogden invested in Block-house 
at mouth of Mill Creek — A parley — Yankees outwitted — Taken prisoners and sent to 
Easton Jail — Liberated, return and take possession of Wyoming — Fort Durkee built — 
Expedition of Col. Francis — Mission of Col. Dyer and Elderkin to Philadel[)hia — Capt. 
Ogden returns — The four-pounder — Durkee taken prisoner and sent to Philadelphia — 
The Fort surrenders — Second expulsion of the Yankees. 



The Susquehanna Company having completed their purchase of the 
soil, proceeded to make arrangements for establishing settlements at 
Wyoming, possession only being necessary, in their estimation, to 
render their title complete. Their purpose, unquestionably was, to 
do, as all the previous companies, cut out of the original Plymouth 
Charter, had done, namely, to obtain a confirmatory charter from 
the King, and establish at Susquehanna, an independent colony. 
From all the lights before us, v^e regard the proceedings as a spon- 
taneous unofficial movement of the people of Connecticut. Perfect 
unanimity was not to be expected. The nature and history of man ; 
reason and experience, preclude the idea. But we are confident in 
the opinion, that a people, generally, were never less divided upon 
any point of magnitude, than those of Connecticut on this subject. 
One thing more was demanded to satisfy the law. An assent, pre- 
vious or subsequent to an Indian purchase within the limits of the 
colony, was required to render such purchase valid. Accordingly in 
May, 1755, on the petition of Phineas Lyman, and others, a Commit- 
tee of the Susquehanna Company, reciting their purchase of the 
Indians, and praying the acquiescence of the Assembly, and their 
consent for an application to His Majesty, to erect them into a new 
colony, or plantation, it was among other things, Resolved, that, 



104 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" They (the Legislature) hereby, accordingly, manifest their ready 
acquiescence therein," etc. 

Subsequently, to wit : In 1782, the Agents of Connecticut in set- 
ting forth their claim before the Court at Trenton, distinctly declare, 
That the purchase of the Susquehanna adventurers had the approba- 
tion of the Assembly. 

An attempt to establish a colony at Wyoming, in 1762 ; the mas- 
sacre of twenty of the settlers, and the expulsion of the remainder, the 
subsequent year, has been already noticed. The purchase of the soil 
from the Indians by the Pennsylvania Government, in 1768, has been 
mentioned. And now commenced the strife, foot to foot, and hand to 
hand, of the conflicting, parties for the possession of this beautiful 
valley. Gallant spirits, with a will to do, and courage to dare, met 
spirits equally gallant and determined. We approach the contest, 
still known in the common parlance of the country, as " The First 
Pennymite War."'* In the bosom of the wilderness, far removed 
from any civilized settlement, extensive plains, beautiful as Persian 
groves, or Eden's bowers, the prize to crown and reward the victor. 
Though widely separated by rugged hills, and deep-tangled forests, 
from the busy mart, or the church-warning bell, yet were the com- 
batants fully aware that the eyes of anxious multitudes were upon 
them. All Connecticut v/as on tiptoe to watch, to cheer, and to sus- 
tain her adventurous colony at Wyoming. Philadelphia, the first 
city on the continent — abounding in wealth, distinguished for talents, 
with such portions of the surrounding country as was more especially 
within the circle of her influence, gazing with anxious suspense, were 
equally eager, and not less zealously determined to stand by the 
party that had nobly volunteered to defend the honour and maintain 
the rights of Pennsylvania. The respective combatants, in no incon- 
siderable degree resembling the Roundheads and Cavaliers of the 
civil wars, the preceding century. 

Before the charge is sounded, and the battle begins, each party 
must be traced in its march to the field of action. 

First, then, of the Susquehanna Company. — Preparatory to a 
recommencement of their settlement, a meeting was convened at 
Hartford, in 1768, at which it was resolved. That five townships, five 
miles square, should be surveyed and granted, each to forty settlers, 
being Proprietors, on condition that those settlers should remain upon 
the ground, " man their rights" as was the phrase, and defend them- 

* "Pennymite" and " Yankee" being the terms by which the parties were generally de- 
signated at the time ; and are used by us in no invidious " sense." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 105 

selves, and each other, from the intrusion of all rival claimants. 
Forty were to set forth without delay ; the others, to the amount in 
all, of two hundred, were to follow the succeeding Spring. As fur- 
ther encouragement, a sum of two hundred pounds, Connecticut cur- 
rency, i. e. six hundred and sixty-seven dollars, was appropriated to 
provide implements of husbandry and provisions, (including, proba- 
bly, arms and ammunition,) for those who might require assistance. 
To those two hundred who emigrated on settling rights, must be 
added all those other proprietors of the Susquehanna purchase, who 
chose to take possession of their western property. Among the forty 
who obtained land on settlement rights, were no inconsiderable num- 
ber of substantial farmers, who by this means, added to their other 
claims as proprietors, the choice of some of the most desirable lots, 
embracing the inviting river bottoms, unequalled in fertility. Five 
townships in the heart of the valley, were allotted for those adven- 
turers, to wit : — Wilkesbarre, Hanover, Kingston, Plymouth, and 
Pittston. 

Subsequently, three other townships, to be located on the west 
branch of the Susquehanna, were appropriated to forty settlers each. 

Among the emigrants from the east, several bore parts so promi- 
nent in the scenes which transpired as to demand a particular intro- 
duction to the notice of the reader. The " Old French War," then 
recent, had developed the talent, and called into action the energies 
of a large number of young men in the colonies of New England. 
Connecticut furnished her full complement for that war. Capt. Ze- 
bulon Butler, of Lyme, after sharing in the campaign at Ticonde- 
roga and Crown Point, in 1758, commanded a company, and earned 
reputation at the taking of the Havanna, 1762. A brave and vigi- 
lant officer, his superior manners and address at once commanded 
general respect, and conciliated the attachment of his soldiers. This 
gentleman, if not clothed with official power, was, by common con- 
sent, regarded as the leader of the Connecticut train. Captains 
Durkee and Ransom, both of whom had seen honorable service in 
the French war, accompanied, and rallied under their old companion 
in arms. Full of enterprise, never doubting the entire justice of the 
Connecticut claim, tired of the piping songs of peace, they sought 
action, honour and independence in the stirring scenes, opening 
on the Susquehanna. Obadiah Gore, Esq., with his seven sons (who 
will figure conspicuously in the succeeding pages,) were among the 
early emigrants. Nathan Denison, from Stonington, a descendant of 
Capt. Denison, distinguished in the old Pequot wars, mild yet firm, 



106 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

grave yet active, constituted one of the number. Nor was the wise 
policy neglected, of obtaining friends and adherents within the limits 
of Pennsylvania. How effected, no account remains ; but above the 
Blue Mountains, on the Delaware, a settlement existed near by, or 
embracing Stroudsburg, the present seat of justice of Monroe county, 
whereof a number of the principal inhabitants united with the Con- 
necticut people, and entered heart and hand into their cause. The 
aid afforded by these Pennsylvania allies, was of the utmost import- 
ance to the new colony. Benjamin Shoemaker, one of the Executive 
Committee, was from this settlement. John M'Dowell, a wealthy, 
hish-toned Cameronian Scotchman, became a true friend to the Yan- 
kees. With Highland zeal, he espoused their cause. His granaries 
and purse were ever tendered to the suffererers with a " Highland 
Welcome."* 

Other and efficient aid was found in the Stewarts, Young, with 
other bold and daring leaders from Hanover, near the Susquehanna, 
then in Lancaster county, now in Dauphin, who will presently 
appear among the armed combatants upon the field of action. 

On the other hand, the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania designated 
their leaders, and marshalled their forces for the contest. Charles 
Stewart, a surveyor, trained, like Washington and Wayne, in the 
hardships and dangers of a forest-life, to lead in the paths of glory, 
stands forth most conspicuously. He was afterwards a popular and 
efficient officer of the Pennsylvania line, and for some time an aid to 
General Washington. With him was associated Capt. Amos Ogden, 
and John Jennings, Esq., Ogden uniting to the truest courage, and 
untiring activity, an intuitive perception of all the arts and strata- 
gems of war, was the indefatigable military leader. John Jen- 
nings, Esq., High Sheriff of Northampton county, was the civil 
magistrate. These three constituted the Chief Executive Directory, 
to conduct the Proprietaries' affairs at Wyoming. To these, a lease 
had been executed for a hundred acres of land for seven j^ears, upon 
condition that they should establish an Indian trading house thereon, 
and defend the valley from encroachment.f 

* When Death's dark stream I ferry o'er, 
A time that surely will come; 
In Heaven itself, I ask no more, 

Than just a Higliland welcome. — Burns. 
t " 1 have seen," says Col. Pickering, " March 2, 1793, among the Proprietaries' papers, a 
list of forty or fifty who purchased on the express condition of defending, in arms, the pos- 
session of these lands from the Connecticut claimants." So that the plan of manning their 
rights, was common to both parties. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. , 107 

The names of several gentlemen of distinction, besides Ogden, 
appeared in this war, at the head of armed companies. Asher 
Clayton, Turbot Francis, Joseph Morris, John Dick, Andrew Ledlie, 
and Thomas Craig, were among the best officers of the Province. 
The latter, by the merit of perfect discipline, and tried bravery, rose 
to be a colonel in the continental service, during the revolutionary 
war, and was afterwards major-general of the militia. In declining 
age, when I knew him, his manners were highly polished, but he 
told me the habits of the soldier had become so fixed in him, that for 
thirty years he had not slept on a bed. At night, a blanket or two 
spread upon a table, constituted his most welcome couch. Col. 
Clayton had held a commission in 1763, in the Paxton Rangers, and 
was probably progenitor of the distinguished senator, of that name, 
from Delaware. The son of Capt. Dick, full of wit, who loved his 
jest, his bottle, and his friend, though residing in Northampton, after- 
wards practised law in Luzerne, a general favorite, and successful 
advocate. 

It will, at a glance, be seen that such parties did not meet, though 
the prize at issue was great, in mere mercenary contention. 

Stewart, Ogden, and Jennings, were first upon the ground, having 
arrived in January, 1769. It was winter, and the stillness of death 
brooded over the valley. A block-house and a number of huts, near 
the confluence of Mill Creek with the Susquehanna, a mile above the 
present town of Wilkesbarre, left by the massacred, or. expelled set- 
tlers of 1763, were easily fitted up, and afforded shelter for their men. 
The first step was to lay off two manors, embracing a considerable 
portion of the finest lands on each side of the river. 

Having selected the heart for themselves, the Proprietaries left 
the remainder to reward the enterprise of such friends as might be 
able to render assistance in meeting with defiance, and resisting with 
effect, the "moss trooping" Yankees from the east. 

Seventeen hundred and sixty nine, was an eventful year in Wyo- 
ming history. On the 8th of. February, the first forty, the pioneer 
detachment of Yankees appeared on the ground. Finding their ex- 
pected shelter in the possession of an enemy, they forthwith invest- 
ed the block-house of Ogden, cutting off' all communication with the 
surrounding country, so that the besieged could neither obtain fuel 
nor venison ; and demanded in the name of Connecticut the surrender 
of the garrison, and peaceable possession of the valley. Expected 
reinforcements anxiously looked for, not arriving, Captain Ogden 
equally ready, for fair, open fight, or the subtle wiles of diplomacy, 



108 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

as might be best adapted to his condition, or calculated to effect his 
purpose — having only ten men able to bear arms, one fourth only of 
his invading foe, determined to have recourse to negociation. A very 
polite and conciliatory note was addressed to the commander of the 
forty, an interview respectfully solicited, and a friendly conference 
asked on the subject of the respective titles. Ogden proved him- 
self an accomplished angler. The bait was too tempting. Propose 
to a Yankee to talk over a matter, especially which he has studied, 
and believes to be right, and you touch the most susceptible chord 
that vibrates in his heart. That they could out talk the Pennymites, 
and convince them the Susquehanna title was good, not one of the 
forty doubted. Three of the chief men were deputed to argue the 
matter, viz : Isaac Tripp and Benjamin Follett, two of the executive 
committee, accompanied by Mr. Vine Eiderkin. No sooner were 
they within the block-house, than Sheriff Jennings clapped a writ 
on their shoulders. " Gentlemen, in the name of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, you are my prisoners !" " Laugh where we must, 
be candid where we can." The Yankees were decidedly outwitted. 
By common consent the prisoners were transported to Easton jail, 
guarded by Captain Ogden; but accompanied in no hostile manner 
by the thirty-seven remnants of the forty. Here the advantage of 
having friends in Pennsylvania was made manifest. No sooner was 
the key turned than bail was entered for their appearance, the 
prisoners were set at liberty, and returned immediately to Wyo- 
ming. 

This was the first scene of the first act, of the Pennymite and Yan- 
kee war. So far, some ill temper may have arisen, but the deep feel- 
ings of revenge, and thirst for blood had been on neither side 
awakened. Important events now trod closely on the heels of each 
other. Ogden had gained nothing by victory — the Yankees had lost 
nothing by defeat ; nay, they had attained their object, and were, 
without any act of violence on their part, in peaceable possession of 
Wyoming. a^ 

Mortified at the result, aroused by pride, stimulated by the 
Proprietaries, Sheriff Jennings raised the posse of Northampton 
county, and accompanied by several magistrates, repaired to Wyo- 
ming, stormed the fortified house in which the Yankees had en- 
trenched themselves, and captured nearly the whole party. Trained 
as the New England men had been to an almost superstitious reve- 
rence for the civil law, a magistrate's writ served by a sheriff, had 
something too awful in its character to be resisted. Forthwith about 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 109 

thirty in number were marched to Easton, and all committed to 
prison, and almost immediately liberated on bail. This was in the 
month of March. All these changes of fortune had transpired within 
ninety days of the arrival of Captain Ogden, and within less than 
sixty from the appearance of the forty at Wyoming. Twice cap- 
tured and sent to jail, a distance of sixty miles, through a dreary wil- 
derness, in the depth of winter too, it might well be imagined would 
have cooled the ardor of the most impassioned zealots. They must 
have travelled going and coming twice, two hundred and forty miles. 
Yankee perseverance and enterprize were rarely ever more con- 
spicuously exhibited under deeply discouraging circumstances. And 
this may be regarded the second scene of the first act in the drama. 

The additional quotas for the other four townships, of forty each, 
making one hundred and sixty, arrived in April. These, with the 
first forty returned from prison, and a considerable number of adven- 
turers who held shares in the Susquehanna Company, constituting 
two hundred and seventy or eighty able bodied men in all, assembled 
on the river banks, where Wilkesbarre now stands, on the 10th of 
April. The block-house at Mill creek was too remote from the flats 
near the old town of Wywamick, where large fields, long since 
cleared, invited cultivators. A new fortification, called Fort Durkee, 
after the new commander, was therefore erected on the banks of the 
river at Fish's eddy, (near the lower line of the borough) and 
twenty or thirty huts built in its immediate vicinity. 

Forts, or fortifications, and block-houses are so often mentioned 
in this and the succeeding war, that I cannot doubt but the reader 
will be pleased with a brief description of one of each, which will 
answer for all. The block-house is generally a square building of 
heavy hewn logs. When raised to the height of one story, the tim- 
ber used for joists or beams, are projected over every side six or 
eight feet. The second story is built up of lighter logs, placed on 
the ends of these projecting timbers, the whole roofed of course with 
boards, shingles or bark. Loop-holes are formed through which to 
fire on an approaching enemy. The purpose of making the upper 
story larger than the lower, is to enable those who defend the block- 
house, to throw down stones (gathered for the purpose,) or boiling 
water, or other missiles, on the heads of assailants who should at- 
tempt to force the door, or set fire to the building. 

Forts, or fortifications, are built thus. The ground being fixed on, 
near to water, a square, or paralellogram is traced out, of a size pro- 
portioned to the number to be sheltered and defended. That built 



110 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

subsequently, at Mill creek, was supposed to contain half an acre. 
A ditch three feet deep is dug, in which hewn logs, eighteen feet 
long, are placed on end, close together all round, except at the four 
corners, where flanking towers are projected. A ditch several feet 
wide is then dug four feet from the upright timbers, and the dirt 
thrown up against them. Sometimes, double rows of timbers are 
placed round so as to break joints. Usually there are two gate- 
ways, or entrances, opposite each other, strongly barricaded. 
Around the inside, against the wall of timbers, huts are erected for 
the accommodation of families, or messes. Loop-holes at proper 
distances for firing rifles or small arms, finish the work within. 
Sometimes a covered way is dug to the water; and not unfrequently 
wells are sunk in the enclosure. 

Having now complete possession, the Connecticut people entered 
with alacrity upon their agricultural pursuits, while their surveyors 
were employed in running out the five townships allotted to the ac- 
tual settlers. But no one supposed that peace and security were 
finally yielded them by their alert and powerful opponents. Every 
breeze from the southern mountain awakened fears of an approach- 
ing enemy. Capt. Ogden with the civil magistrate, Sheriff" Jen- 
nings, though absent, "had not been idle, but having recruited their 
forces, appeared on the plains on the 20th of May. After recon- 
noitering the position of the Yankees, finding it too strong, and their 
number too large to be attacked with a rational prospect of success, 
they withdrew to Easton ; and 'Sheriff" Jennings, in his report, in- 
formed the Governor that the intruders mustered three hundred able 
bodied men, and it was not in his power to collect sufficient force 
in Northampton to dislodge them. In the delightful season of Spring, 
nature unfolding her richest robes of leaf and flower, the Susque- 
hanna yielding boundless stores of delicious shad, a brief hour of 
repose seemed only to wed the Yankee emigrants more strongly to 
the valley. The beautiful low lands, where scarcely a stone im- 
peded the plough, contrasted with the iron bound shores of New Eng- 
land, and her rock covered fields, was a prospect as inviting as the 
plains of Italy of old to its northern invaders. But another force 
was threading the paths of the wilderness to attack them. Col. 
Turbot Francis, commanding a fine company from the city, in full 
military array, with colours streaming, and martial music, descended 
into the plain, and sat down before Fort Durkee, about the 20th of 
June ; but finding the Yankees too strongly fortified, returned to 
await reinforcements below the mountains. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. HI 

Knowing the value of time in strengthening and consolidating their 
settlements, for every day that accounts of the richness ot those 
western lands reached Connecticut, new bodies of emigrants set 
forth for Wyoming; the Susquehanna Company resolved to disarm 
the energies of the Proprietaries by entering into negotiations. 
That the object was to amuse and create delay till the summer 
should have passed, we infer from the fact that the colony of 
Connecticut did not officially move in the matter, and the great 
improbability that the Government of Pennsylvania could be induced 
to make either concession or compromise with agents merely of the 
Susquehanna Company. But the step was dictated by sound policy, 
and has not the less merit that it did not succeed. 

Early in the summer two distinguished personages, agents of the 
Susquehanna Company, viz: Col. Eliphalet Dyer, and Major Jede- 
diah Elderkin, clothed with full power to open a negotiation with the 
Proprietary Government for a settlement of the controversy re- 
specting the Wyoming lands, appeared in Philadelphia. They were 
met with the courtesy that ever has distinguished the manners of 
that city of polished gentlemen of the old school. The Hon. Ben- 
jamin Chew was appointed to confer with Messrs. Dyer and Elderkin. 
But to their propositions, to submit the question at issue to a court 
of law, or to arbitration, a respectful but decided negative was 
returned in answer. Nor did the Pennsylvania authorities for a 
moment intermit the vigorous prosecution of measures that were in 
train to throw upon the disputed ground a force decisively over- 
whelming. 

The brave and indefatigable Ogden was to have the chief military 
command ; yet as the whole bore the name, if not the character of 
a civil movement. Sheriff Jennings of Northampton, was clothed 
ostensibly with the direction, and to him the Governor issued his 
orders. They conclude thus : " It is however, warmly recommended 
to you, to exercise on this unhappy occasion, the utmost discretion 
and prudence, to avoid the effijsion of blood ; and that neither you 
nor your party strike, fire at, or wound the offenders, unless you are 
at first stricken, fired at, or wounded." 

Sheriff Jennings commenced his march with about two hundred 
men, well armed and equipped for battle, in the beginning of Sep- 
tember. To enable him to comply more effectually with his peace- 
ful instructions, an artillery company constituted part of his force. 
An iron four pound cannon, with a supply of cartridge and ball — the 
first piece of ordnance that ever was at Wyoming, had been brought 



112 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

up from Fort Augusta, (Sunbury) in a boat, by Captain Alexander 
Patterson, an active partizan officer, the most effective of Ogden's 
subordinates. In a more elevated station, and a wider field of 
action, this gentleman will again be presented to the reader. 

As Jennings approached the valley, Captain Ogden, who was al- 
ready on the ground with fifty armed men, by a vigorous and well 
timed movement seized Captain Durkee,* commander of the Yankees. 
Too valuable a prize to be risked at Easton, for greater safety the 
prisoner was sent in irons under a safe escort to Philadelphia, and 
there closely incarcerated in prison. Immediately after this suc- 
cessful enterprise Sheriff Jennings, and his pacific cohort, descended 
from the passes of the mountain, and displayed in formidable array on 
the plains before Fort Durkee. Their commander captured, menaced 
by a force so imposing, above all, that terrible four pounder destroy- 
ing every hope of victory, quelled all disposition to resistance. 
Being summoned to surrender, articles of capitulation were entered 
into. Three or four leading men were detained as prisoners. Seven- 
teen men were to remain of the Connecticut people, to gather the 
ripening harvest ; all the others, without exception, were to leave 
the valley immediately ; the property being private, was to be re- 
spected. Taking up their melancholy march, sad as the exiles from 
Paradise ; men, their wives and little ones, with such of their flocks 
and herds as could be collected, with aching hearts took leave of the 
fair plains of Wyoming.f 

It is with pain we record the fact that so gallant an officer as Og- 
den, should sully his fair fame by acts of injustice and oppression. 
No sooner had the mass of settlers been expelled, than in violation 
of the articles of capitulation, he commenced the plunder of all the 
property remaining. Cattle, horses and sheep, were driven to mar- 
kets on the Delaware, and the seventeen left without means to sustain 
themselves, were compelled to follow their exiled friends on their 

* John Durkee, afterwards Colonel in the Continental army. 

+ Durkee and his companions were not forgotten in their captivity. A meeting of the 
executive committee of the Susquehanna Company held at Windham, voted that fifty [lounds 
be immediately raised, and forwarded for their relief. Thirty-four pounds to CaiUain Durkee ; 
the remaining sixteen to be appropriated to the use of Simeon Draper, Daniel Gore, Asa 
Ludington and Thomas Bennett, six pounds each. It was further voted — that Ebenezer 
Backus, Captain Silas Parke, Wm. Hurlbut, Esq., Capt. EbenezerBaldwin, Mr. Wm. 
Gallup, Increase Mosely, Esq., Major Eleazer Talcott, Capt. Joseph Eaton, Capt. Robert 
Durkee, Capt. Zebulon Butler, John Jenkins, John Pitkin, Ezra Buel, Nathaniel Landon, 
Jeremiah Angel, Jonathan Pettibone, Gad Stanley, John Smith, Esqs., and Capt. Obadiah 
Gore, be a committee to collect and forward the money. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 



lis 



journey to Connecticut. No life having been lost, not a wound 
having been received by either side ; the campaign closed, the Yan- 
kees having been three times expelled, leaving the valley in un- 
disputed possession of Ogden, Jennings, and their victorious forces. 
Thus closed 1769, the first year of the far-famed Pennymite and 
Yankee v^rar for the possession of Wyoming. But bolder spirits 
were on the way, and scenes of deeper interest were soon to be 
presented on the stage. 



LETTER X. 



1770. Sudden descent on Wyoming— Reinstatement of the Yankees— Captain Ogden re- 
turns and resumes liis old quarters at Mill Creek — A fortunate omen — His Fort invested 
by the Yankees — Battle — Winiam Stager killed — The Connecticut party defeated — Re- 
inforced and in possession of the four pounder, the Yankees renew the siege — Stirring 
incidents — Gov. Penn's application to Gen. Gage for aid — Surrender of Fort Ogden — 
Proclamations of the Governor— Captain Ogden returns — Masterly address — Impetuous 
assault — Fort Durkee taken — The Yankees for the third time expelled — Vicissitudes — 
With a "Hurrah for King George" the Connecticut claimants repossess themselves of 
the Valley. 



The year 1770 now dawns upon our view. It is the depth of 
winter. We look down on the valley of Wyoming, the past season 
so animated by contending factions ; smoke from a single chimney 
is the only indication that it is tenanted by a human being. So 
perfect had been the conquest over the intruding Yankees, their ex- 
pulsion so complete, and so great the distance of their former homes 
to which they had gone, no immediate difficulty was apprehended 
from their return. Indeed, when the losses they had sustained, and 
the evidences exhibited to them of the power and determination of 
Pennsylvania to maintain her territorial rights, were considered, 
it was scarcely doubted that so prudent and calculating a people 
would desist fi'om any further attempt to establish a colony on the 
Susquehanna. Captain Ogden therefore, leaving a garrison of ten 
men to keep possession, and take charge of the property, marched 
his victorious troops below the mountains, where they were dis- 
banded, while he and his able civil coadjutor, the spirited and 
efficient sheriff, Jennings, repaired to Philadelphia to spend a part 
of the winter, display their laurels, and enjoy the well-earned 
honours of victory.* 

* A city distinguished for hospitaHty would not fail to welcome to their sumptuous tables, 
gentlemen who had served so faithfully, and accomplished so much for the public interest 
and their own. The high-toned Allen — the courteous Chew — the proud Willing — the witty, 
but profound Peters — doubtless vied with each other who should render the entertainment of 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 115 

Late in February there came the astounding tidings to Captain 
Ogden, suddenly arresting the flowing tide of hilarity and enjoy- 
ment, that his garrison had been surprised and expelled by a su- 
perior force. Prompt, alert, he was instantly in motion ; gather- 
ing a few tried followers, he hastened with all possible celerity 
to the field of action. Captain Lazarus Stewart, from Hanover, 
in Lancaster county, with ^^ forty" settlers, who had accepted from 
the Susquehanna Company, a township, to be named after their 
parent town, having with him ten Connecticut people, appeared in 
the valley the beginning of February, ousted the few men left by 
Ogden, from their comfortable quarters at Fort Durkee, but did not 
attempt to arrest or keep them as prisoners. 

The dread cannon, the formidable four pounder, was the first ob- 
ject of concern. It had been carefully housed, with ammunition a 
good store, in the forti'ess at Mill Creek, from whence it was taken, 
and with emotions of pride at the capture, and a pleasing sense of 
security from the possession, transported in safety to Fort Durkee. 

It is difficult at this distant time to determine which should be 
regarded as most extraordinary, the facility with which the Yankees 
were taken to prison, or the certainty and ease with which they es- 
caped. Our story left Captain Durkee confined in the Philadelphia 
jail ; by what means he obtained his freedom, I have sought infor- 
mation in vain ; but we find him now, with unabated vigor and in- 
creased zeal at the head of the Connecticut forces. 

Sheriff Jennings could not accompany his friend Ogden, but the 
latter, according to settled policy, choosing to be attended by, and to 
act professedly under the orders of a civil magistrate, took with him 
a deputy sheriff from Northampton. On arriving upon the ground, 
Fort Durkee being in possession of the Yankees, strengthened in its 
defences and well garrisoned. Captain Ogden with fifty men, entered 
upon his old quarters at Mill Creek, which he put in the best 
posture of defence. His policy was obvious and instantly adopted, 
his numbers being unknown, to keep them concealed as much as 
possible, to appear diffident, not venturing out, risking nothing, but 
seeming busy, as if adding to the strength of his fortress, so as to 
induce his enemy to suppose him weak and waiting for reinforce- 

the protectors of Wyoming from Yankee intrusion, most acceptable. Pure wine flowed — 
healths to the victors were quaffed — the joke passed, and Ogden, truly a most capital soldier, 
assured them in those moments of hilarity that the work was accomplished — the four pounder, 
superior to "if was the true peace-maker; and he was confident that never another 
Yankee would dare to place his intruding foot upon the Susquehanna. ? 



116 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ments, by this means leading them from too much confidence into 
some rash act that might expose them to capture. 

A fortunate omen had already occurred to inspire hopes, and 
stimulate the ardor of his men. The Yankees, to avoid awakening 
suspicion, were to come into the valley in small detachments ; one of 
these, consisting of ten or twelve men, who had learned the success 
of Stewart, but w^ere not apprised of the arrival of a Pennsylvania 
force, appeared cold and hungry, before the gate at the Mill Creek 
fortress, not doubting a cordial welcome from expecting friends. 
Very readily were they admitted, but instantly arrested by the 
deputy sherift^ as prisoners, and so closely confined that escape was 
impossible, and their arrival and capture was unknown to their 
friends at Fort Durkee. 

The policy of Captain Ogden produced its desired effect, (as after- 
wards the affected caution of Napoleon at Austerlitz, rendered pre- 
sumptuous the Russian and Austrian generals, and terminated in their 
discomfiture.) Major Durkee and his officers, after full consultation, 
resolved to capture Ogden while he was yet weak, and before re- 
inforcements should enable him to bid them defiance. Heretofore 
the Connecticut people had acted merely as civil citizens united for 
mutual protection ; they now assumed a more martial aspect, and 
marched out with the Connecticut flag flying, to the inspiring music 
of the fife and drum. 

However much this display may have imparted confidence, and 
inspired courage among the Yankees, Captain Ogden was the last 
man in whom it could occasion despondence, or create the slightest 
alarm. A negotiation was opened immediately after the besiegers 
had drawn up before the Mill Creek fortress. Ogden, to reconnoiter, 
came out with a flag to demand their purpose, and estimate their 
numbers. Finding their strength not greatly superior to his own, he 
retired. Placing the deputy sheriflfon duty, he suddenly rushed out 
with all his men armed, ordered the sherifTs officer to arrest the 
whole Yankee array, in the name, and by authority of Pennsylvania. 
A sharp conflict ensued ; the Connecticut people were defeated with 
the loss of one man, William Stager, who was shot dead on the 
spot, and several were wounded. This was the first blood shed in 
those memorable Pennymite and Yankee wars for the possession of 
Wyoming. 

Controversy arose as to which party was responsible for firing the 
first gun, and occasioning the first effusion of blood. Such an inquiry 
on this occasion, would seem to be useless, as regards the general 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 117 

question, as unavailing in this particular case. The Yankees here 
marched forth in military array, with martial music, their guns 
loaded with ball, to capture Ogden. By every rule of honorable 
war he had a right to consider them as enemies, and would have 
been justified in opening a fire upon them from his fortification, 
without notice or parley. The manner in which they came, was a 
declaration of war. War was meant. And it was justifiable to 
answer war with war. But the first man who fell was one of the 
Connecticut party, and it roused into more fiery action those deep 
and deadly passions, which the events of the preceding summer were 
calculated to awaken into bitterness. But there is another reflection 
which, in justice, should be recorded in association with that just ex- 
pressed. Was this the commencement of the contest ? Had not the 
Connecticut people been expelled by an armed force, in full military 
array, with artillery as well as small arms, pointed for their de- 
struction 1 Was not this in fact, the earliest decided belligerent de- 
monstration ; an unequivocal act of war 1 Leaving the decision of this 
point to an abler casuist, or a less partial judge, I advance to the siege 
of Fort Ogden. 

In possession of the cannon, it was resolved to bring its power to 
bear on the enemy. A neighboring hill overlooked the Fort, and 
completely commanded the position. But the Yankees, with a 
respectful caution highly complimentary to Capt. Ogden's prowess, 
did not choose to risk the piece within reach of a sortie of their 
intrepid enemy. A slight redoubt was therefore thrown up on the 
western river bank, directly opposite the fortification. The cannon 
was transported across, and mounted ready for action. The piece 
had to be elevated, for the fort was not less that fifty feet above the 
level of the gun. The distance between the two points was about 
sixty rods. Little skilled in the science of projectiles, it would not 
be expected that the Yankee farmers could manage their artillery so 
as to produce a very powerful effect. But on the 15th of April, they 
opened their fire. Never, before, had echoes of those mountains been 
disturbed by, and answered to a voice so tremendous. Shot after 
shot was sent booming across the Susquehanna ; day after day, roar 
succeeded roar, but to the astonishment of all, without doing the 
least possible execution. Time was too precious to be thus wasted. 
Reinforcements might arrive. The cannon was removed to the east- 
ern shore, and Major Durkee, having received an accession to his 
forces, marched up a second time in military array to invest the fort. 
Dividing his men into three divisions, each, with all possible de- 



118 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

spatch, erected a breast-work ; the cannon was mounted in the one 
under his immediate command. A spirited fire was opened on the 
stockade. The siege gave rise to a gallant act on the part of the Yan- 
kees. A storehouse adjoining the fort, strong and well manned, was 
stormed, set on fire, and burnt to the ground, by which most of the 
valuable articles for peace or war, belonging the Pennsylvania party, 
were entirely consumed. 

Capt. Ogden had failed in no part of the duty of an able officer. 
Immediately after his attack, in March, he had despatched a trusty 
messenger to the Governor, stating his situation, urging the necessity 
of immediate aid, and saying he would defend his position to the 
utmost extremity, or while there was hope of relief 

Governor Penn was in no condition to comply with the request. 
A dark cloud, portending a storm, lowered in another quarter. The 
disputes between the colonies and the mother country seemed rapidly 
festering into an open contest. The massacre at Boston had taken 
place on the 5th of the month, and lurid flames of threatening war 
shot up from every point of the surrounding horizon. He, therefore, 
applied to Gen. Gage, commander-in-chief of his Majesty's forces in 
North America, whose head-quarters were then at New York, for 
assistance to suppress what was considered the lawless and unprin- 
cipled invasion by the Connecticut people, of the peaceful and 
assured territory of Pennsylvania. Such, it seems. Gen. Gage did 
not regard it. His reply is important, not only as it shows his own, 
but, probably, as it exhibits the general opinion of the country in 
regard to the contest. 

" New York, April 15, 1770. — The troops in all the provinces have 
orders, in general, to assist the civil power, when they shall be 
legally called upon ; but the affair in question seems to be a dispute 
concerning property, in which I cannot but think it would be highly 
improper for the King's troops to interfere." 

No aid arriving, and the siege being pressed with vigour, a flag 
sent in by Major Durkee, led to negotiations which terminated in 
the surrender of the fort. Articles of capitulation were entered into 
on the 29th of April. Capt. Ogden was to retire from the valley, with 
all his forces, in three days, except that to take care of his property, 
which was to be respected, six men were to be left in possession of 
one of the houses. To the surprise of the besiegers, and the delight 
of the captives, the party of Yankee prisoners were discovered and 
released, after more than a month's confinement, so rigorous, that 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 119 

they had not been able to give their friends the least intimation of 
their captivity. 

The nicer lavs^s, which tend so much to soften the asperities 
and relieve the distresses of war, unhappily were but too slightly 
regarded on either side. Justifying his conduct by that of Capt. 
Ogden himself, to the seventeen Connecticut people, left to keep pos- 
session, by the articles of capitulation the previous Autumn, Major 
Durkee proceeded, very unceremoniously, to expel the six as very 
unwelcome neighbours, indeed, as spies on his proceedings, and 
according to established usage on both sides, or in the homely adage 
of the time, " tit for tat," he relieved them from the charge of what 
property had been left under their care. This, however, was not all 
demanded by prudence, and justified by the laws of war. The fort 
was strong — the adjacent buildings comfortable. With the force 
then under his command, to spare a suitable detachment to garrison 
the place was impossible. If left, it was apprehended that the Penn- 
sylvania party would retake possession, perhaps with more ordnance, 
and greater numbers, and bid defiance to all the power of the Yan- 
kees to dispossess him. After full consultation it was resolved to set 
fire to the fort, and level the whole establishment with the earth. 
Eight years previous, the first habitations of white men had been 
erected on this spot by the unfortunate settlers of 1762, which had 
been preserved by the Savages, when they massacred or expelled the 
Connecticut people from the Valley. The aspiring flames were a 
grand but melancholy sight, awakening sad recollections of the past, 
and gloomy forbodings for the future. But the position was too 
admirably chosen to be long neglected. 

Reader, as we turn from this scene of destruction, I beg leave to 
remind you that we shall look in upon it again, ere long, under more 
pleasing auspices. 

No sooner had the news reached Philadelphia, than the Executive 
published a proclamation, denouncing what he conceived the high- 
handed, and outrageous conduct of the intruders. 

Writs were issued by the Supreme Court for the arrest of several 
of the Yankee leaders, for whose capture a large reward was offered ; 
under the authority of which Lazarus Stewart was made prisoner 
while on a visit below the mountains. By the aid of partizans, with 
some violence to the officer, he succeeded to make his escape. 

Planting time had come. Peace reigned. Wyoming was in the 
undisturbed possession of the Yankees. The luscious shad again 
came up in countless myriads, inviting the toil-worn emigrants from 



120 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

the dangers of the field, to the sports of the stream,* from the half 
famished abstinence of the camp, to feast on the richest of nature's 
dainties. Hope, and joy, and confidence began to prevail. Every 
new^ detachment of adventurous settlers, and especially one under 
the command of Capt. Butler, whose presence had been anxiously 
looked for, v^^as hailed with shouts of welcome. Settlements com- 
menced on the west side of the river, were prosecuted with spirit. 
Old Forty fort, so celebrated in the future history of Wyoming, was 
begun. More distant positions were explored, David Mead and 
Christopher Hurlbut, Esqs., the principal surveyors on behalf of the 
Susquehanna Company, with untiring assiduity again followed the 
compass over hill and dale, in locating and lotting the several town- 
ships set off for actual settlers. 

Spring passed away without the appearance of an enemy ; sum- 
mer followed, and not a foe had disturbed their repose. Rich har- 
vests were ripening to crown their labours, and a feeling of security 
would have pervaded the breasts of the most timid, were it not for 
the recollection of the untoward events of the preceding fall. 

Disappointed in his application for assistance from Gen. Gage, 
Governor Penn viewed the aspect of affairs at the north, with the 
extremest embarrassment, almost amounting to despair. But the 
arrival of Capt. Ogden, his faithful military commander, reanimated 
his desponding hopes, and he resolved to make a vigorous effort to 
regain possession of the disputed ground. — Moral as well as physical 
force was brought into action. — On the 28th of June a proclamation 
was issued, referring to the events which had recently transpired at 
Wyoming, and forbidding, under severest penalties, any person from 
making a settlement there, unless by the authority of the proprie- 
taries, or their lessees, Stewart, Ogden, and Jennings. The utmost 
force that could be assembled for the occasion, was raised, and placed 
under the orders of Capt. Ogden, with directions to repair to the 
scene of action, and dispossess the Yankees if in his power. Again, 
"with characteristic consistency, the military was marched under the 
ostensible auspices of the civil authority. The official term of Sheriff 
Jennings had expired, and Aaron Van Campen, Esq., a magistrate, 
whose zeal had previously led him to take an active part in the con- 
troversy, was selected to accompany the commander on his expedition. 



* Mrs. Young states that the first rude nets were made of willow boughs, woven in 
meshes together. Ropes were made of bark of trees, or long grape vines. But so abundant 
were the fish, a boundless profusion was taken by those seines. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 121 

So difficult had it become to raise recruits, that it was late in Sep- 
tember before he arrived on the eastern mountain that overlooks the 
valley. 

Surprise will naturally be excited, that the powerful provin'ce of 
Pennsylvania did not at once raise and maintain a force of sufficient 
strength to expel the Connecticut people, and to build, arm, and 
garrison two or more forts, in suitable positions, effectually to put an 
end to all hope of making a permanent settlement at Wyoming. A 
popular government in a cause deemed just, possessing the wealth, 
the numbers, and the resources of Pennsylvania, could have crushed, 
like an egg shell in the hand of a giant, all the power which the 
Susquehanna Company had yet been able to concentrate on the 
Susquehanna; for the colony of Connecticut, biding its time, cau- 
tiously watching events, had as yet neither committed itself by a 
direct recognition of, nor lent the least official aid to the measures 
adopted for the settlement of Wyoming, further than to express their 
assent to the formation of the company, the purchase of the Indians, 
and the proposed application to the king for a charter to the new 
colony. Had the Proprietary Government aroused itself with be- 
coming spirit, and put forth at once, with decisive energy, all the 
strength the occasion demanded, Connecticut would probably have 
postponed the avowal of her claim to jurisdiction until a more in- 
viting season. 

Doubtless the inefficient movements on the part of the Proprietary 
Government are to be ascribed, principally, to its own unpopularity. 
It is sufficient that we advert to the lonof existing contention between 
the people of the province and the proprietaries, in respect to tax- 
ation chiefly, and the jealousy existing because of their immense, and 
as it was deemed, unreasonable land monopoly, connected with nu- 
merous other points of lesser magnitude, exciting feelings of mutual 
distrust and enmity, paralyzing almost every effort of the Governor, 
either for good or evil. The contest at Wyoming was a dispute res- 
pecting the soil. The best part of the valley it was known, had been 
surveyed, and appropriated to the proprietaries themselves. With- 
out scrutinizing very closely the origin of titles, the people sym- 
pathised very generally with the Wyoming settlers, and no incon- 
siderable number wished success to their cause. 

We have before stated that there were three paths (roads they 

could not be called,) to Wyoming. The old warrior's path, by way 

-of the Lehi water gap and Fort Allen, coming into the valley a mile 

below Solomon's Creek, in Hanover ; the path from the Delaware at 



122 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Coshutunk, (where was a small Yankee settlement,) which came in 
through Cob's Gap to the Lackawana, at Capouse meadows,— the 
other from Easton, through the Wind Gap, near the line of the pre- 
sent turnpike. By the latter way, all the military expeditions had 
heretofore invaded the valley, and that alone was watched by the 
Yankee sentinels. Aware of this fact, with far more tact than was 
displayed by his adversaries, Captain Ogden took the old warrior 
path, marched with celerity and secrecy, and on the 21st of Septem- 
ber* encamped on the head waters of Solomon's Creek. Kindling no 
fire, creating no smoke, giving no alarm, early the next morning this 
gallant leader took a position from which, with his telescope, he 
could bring the greater part of the valley under his eye. All was 
quiet ; the settlers were unconcernedly engaged in their usual occu- 
pations. The husbandmen repaired each to his own field, with his 
hands. The population was thus divided into little parties of from 
three to six, through the flats, and along the meadows. Ready to 
conceive, and prompt to execute, this most able commander instantly 
divided his force, consisting of one hundred and forty men, into de- 
tachments of ten, each under an approved leader, and directed them 
to, hasten noiselessly and secretly to the fields, and seize upon the 
laborers. The plan succeeded to admiration. A considerable por- 
tion of the settlement fell into his power, and were immediately sent 
to Easton jail, while the remainder fled for refuge to Fort Durkee. 
Captain Ogden withdrew to his bivouac of the preceding night on 
the mountain, but in a way that left no suspicion that he had not 
entered by the usual route. The night was one of unexampled 
gloom and confusion in Fort Durkee. The position and number of 
their invaders were unknown, but it was presumed to be powerful ; 
for it could not be supposed that the enemy was unapprized of the 
accession of numbers, who had emigrated during the summer from 
Connecticut, or that they would attempt to dislodge them without 
adequate preparation. A large number of their men the Yankees 
knew were made prisoners, and immediate assistance was deemed 
necessary. Four men were therefore selected to carry tidings of 
their disaster to the friendly settlement at Coshutunk, and solicit all 
the forces in their power to muster. A step so probable, the Yan- 
kees imagined the enemy would not fail to foresee and counteract. 
Taking it for granted that the passes by the usual Minisink road, and 
the generally traveled central way would be guarded, the Yankee 

*Mr. Chapman. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 123 

messengers, as directed, sought to evade the vigilance of the foe by- 
taking the much neglected warrior's path. Scarcely had they as- 
cended the mountain, w^hen they found themselves prisoners in the 
presence of Captain Ogden. The confused state of Fort Durkee was 
no sooner learned from the reluctant captives, than with a prompti- 
tude that would have done honour to Bonaparte, in his early Italian 
campaigns, Captain Ogden put his men in motion — stormed the Fort 
with such an impetuous rush, that Captain Craig, who led the van, 
gave the first alarm by springing into the midst of the astonished 
multitude. But the armed men did not yield without a short, but 
severe struggle. Several lives were lost, and Captain Butler was 
only saved from a bayonet aimed at his breast, by the noble humanity 
and timely interposition of Craig.* Severely hurt, Captain B. was 
taken into the hut of Mr. Beach, and had his wounds dressed. Ten 
years afterwards these two gallant officers, and Major John Durkee, 
making a third, found themselves each in the command of a regiment, 
in their country's service, efficient supporters of the cause of Inde- 
pendence, respected and beloved. Captain Butler, Mr. Spalding, and 
a few of the most prominent of the Yankee leaders were honored 
with the distinction of being sent to Philadelphia for imprisonment, 
while the others were escorted to the jail at Easton. 

All the Connecticut possessions were now, as on the preceding 
autumn, abandoned, and the whole labor of the summer fell into 
the hands of their Pennymite foes. Mr. Beach and family started 
down the river in a canoe ; tarrying a night at what is now Beach 
Grove, they liked the place, and made a settlement. The property 
lost was by no means inconsiderable, and the soldiers of the suc- 
cessful party were richly rewarded with the plunder. 

Again Ogden retired from this fourth effectual expulsion of the 
Connecticut people, not doubting now, after this signal overthrow, 

* Captain Thomas Craig was a native of Allentown, Northampton county. On this inva- 
sion he commanded a company under Ogden. Leading the storming party he stepped 
lightly in advance of his men and speaking low to the sentinel, as a friend, threw him off his 
guard, knocked him down and entered the fort as stated. Early in the Revolutionary war, 
Captain Craig led a company into service under Washington, and rose to the command of a 
regiment. Not only was he brave, but constitutionally impetuous. He was at Cluebec, in 
the battles of Germantown and Monmouth, and at the taking of Lord Cornwallis. 

His intrepid and humane conduct in storming the fort, and preserving the prisoners from 
slaughter, entitle him to our esteem. Though brave es either, in his social walks he re- 
sembled Marc Antony rather than Scipio. Having quit the tented field, he sought excite- 
ment and pleasure, amid the lilies and the roses, with the blond and the brunette beauties of 
the stream and hill, in old Northampton. Colonel Craig lived to the very advanced age of 93 
years, having departed this life in January 1832. 



124 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

that the contest was at an end, and the Proprietaries secured in the 
peaceful possession of the valley forever. 

A. small garrison of twenty men was left as before, to take charge 
of the property, until the lessees should come out early in the 
spring, to resume their engagement to erect a suitable house and 
open a trade with the Indians. 

But the Susquehanna Company's forces were like the Arab cavalry, 
or the far sweeping hurrah of the Cossacs of the Don; however often 
forced to retreat, they renewed the struggle again and again, with ten- 
fold vigor. Though the middle of December was passed, the second 
year of the Pennymite and Yankee war had not terminated. On the 
18th of that month, suddenly, without the slightest previous notice, 
a " Hurrah for King George !" started the sleeping garrison, too 
confidently secure even to keep a sentinel on duty, and Captain Laza- 
rus Stewart with thirty men, took possession of the fort in behalf of 
the colony of Connecticut. Six of the garrison escaped nearly naked 
to the mountains ; the others were as unceremoniously expelled as 
had been the previous Yankee tenants. The fugitives hastened to 
give information to Captain Ogden, who in the midst of festal en- 
joyment, and the sweetest of all adulation to the ambitious mind, that 
of plaudits to a victorious chief, was once more astounded with the 
heart-sickening annunciation, that his thrice conquered Wyoming 
was lost, and the audacious Yankees were again in full possession. 

Thus closed 1770, an ever memorable year in our interesting 
annals. 



LETTEE XI. 



1771. — — Capt. OgJen with increased force returns — Summons Fort Durkee to sui render — 
Builds Fort Wyoming — Battle — JNathan Ogden mortally wounded — Fort Durkee aban- 
"dored — A reward offered for Capt Stewart — Fort Wyoming invested by Capt. Butler — 
The four-pounder brought into action — Pepperage Log Cannon — Remarkable feat of 
courage and conduct on the part of Capt. Ogden — He escapes to the City — Captains Dick, 
Morris, Clayton, Ledlie and Ogden, hasten with their companies to the relief of Fort 
Wyoming — Soldierly conduct of Capt. Butler — Ambush and victory — Captains Dick 
and Ogden, with loss of provisions, forced into the starving garrison — Fierce War — Ogden 
wounded — Redyard killed — Fort surrenders — Capitulation — The Pennsylvania troops 
withdrawn — Close of hostilities — Negotiation between the authorities of Connecticut and 
Pennsylvania. 



Our letter commences with the opening year, and we find ourselves 
at the beginning of 1771, in the midst of the Pennymite and Yankee 
war, already of two full years duration. At the close of 1770, we 
have recorded that Capt. Stewart and his followers descended like a 
whirlwind on the garrison left by Capt. Ogden, expelled them from 
the valley, and held undivided sway over Wyoming. 

On learning the fact of the arrest and violent release of Stewart, 
together with his subsequent descent and victory upon the disputed 
lands, a new warrant was issued by Judge Willing for his apprehen- 
sion, and a larger sum offered as a bounty for his capture and safe 
delivery in prison. Peter Hacklein, Esq., was now sheriff of North- 
ampton, in place of Jennings, who has figured so conspicuously in 
our preceding pages, and with whom we cannot part without the 
proffer of our ^testimony to his merits as a vigilant and enterprising 
officer, who performed his whole duty as a faithful magistrate of 
Pennsylvania. 

Capt. Amos Ogden was again placed at the head of the mili- 
tary, and acted as before, the undisputed leader of the expedition, 
although ostensibly under the direction of the civil magistrate ; He 
was accompanied by a brother, Nathan Ogden. So far as we can 



126 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

learn, his first campaign, probably a young man whose ambition was 
aroused by the gathering laurels round his brother's brow ; and he 
too would seek reputation in the stirring scenes of the Wyoming 
contest. 

So vigorous had been the efforts on the part of the Proprietary 
Government, that in less than thirty days from the expulsion of the 
Pennsylvania party, although in the depth of winter, a force of more 
than one hundred men was displayed before Fort Durkee. But as a 
prudent officer, Ogden directed his first efforts to provide shelter and 
defence for his men. His old position at Mill Creek, was not only 
in ashes, but too far from his enemy. Such was his courage, he 
could not be brought too near them. Ground was broke and a 
fortification commenced on the bank of the river, sixty rods above 
Fort Durkee, at which his force wrought with such spirit, that in 
three or four days it was inhabitable. The baggage being secured, 
and a tolerable defence from a sudden attack prepared, Sheriff 
Hacklein, as civil officer, proceeded to Fort Durkee, declared his 
name and character, and demanded the surrender of the fortress, 
and all persons within it, in the name of the authorities of Pennsyl- 
vania. Capt. Stewart's men were all at their quarters, not intend- 
ing to attack but ready to repel aggression ; Stewart himself, with 
four or five trusty friends, stood on the battlements prepared to 
answer. To the summons he replied: — " That he had taken pos- 
session in the name and behalf of the Colony of Connecticut, in 
whose jurisdiction they were ; and in that name, and by that 
authority he would defend it." Doubtless, the use of the name of 
Connecticut was unwarranted and improper ; for so far, that colony 
was, officially, uncommitted in the civil war, although in fact almost 
all the members of the Government, in their individual capacity, 
were exerting their utmost influence to forward the interests of the 
Susquehanna Company, of which they were component parts, and 
shareholders. But the use of the name imparted consideration to 
the Yankee cause, and therefore it was boldly exercised. 

Sheriff Hacklein withdrew, and every nerve was exerted to finish 
the defences of fort Wyoming,* (for so was the new fortress named,) 
and to prepare for a vigorous prosecution of the war. 

On the 20th of January, 1771, Capt. Amos Ogden, drew out in 
armed array, and accompanied by his brother Nathan, marched 

* The remains of this fort, directly opposite Mr. Butler's white house, were in tolerable 
preservation forty years ago, (1800,) but it has been swept away by the encroachment of the 
river on the bank. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 127 

forth to attempt the reduction of Fort Durkee. Stewart and his 
men were ready. Two more daring leaders never met. To part 
without a battle appeared improbable, and blood seemed destined 
again to flow in this unhappy contest. A peremptory demand was 
made for the surrender of the fort, and as peremptorily refused ; 
when Ogden opened his fire, which was promptly returned. At the 
first volley, several of Ogden's men fell, and among the number, 
Nathan was mortally wounded by his side.* Of the deceased, we 
know nothing, except that he was brother to as gallant and noble a 
spirit as ever gained laurels or gathered cypress on the tented field. 
Amos, peradventure had persuaded him to leave his peaceful home, 
and engage in the expedition. In the bitterness of his grief, in 
the spirit, though not the words of David, we may conceive him 
exclaiming in pathetic strain : — " My brother, ! oh, my brother ! 
would to God I had died for thee." Little could our sympathies 
aflfect the survivor — less, could our regrets avail the dead ; but every 
feeling breast will heave a sigh of pity for the living, and the eye shed 
a tear of unaffected sorrow for the fate of him who fell. It was the for- 
tune of war. It was in fair open fight. He had chosen his lot. If 
his mother wept, so too wept many mothers for the loss of sons in 
this sharply contested conflict. Their bones rest together ; they 
repose, side by side, on the lovely fields their valour sought to win. — 
Peace to their gallant shades ! 

Taking with them the lifeless body, and the three wounded men, 
the besieging party withdrew unmolested by the garrison, and slowly 
retraced their melancholy way to their own fortification. 

Irritated as the Proprietary Government already was known to be 
against Capt. Stewart ; exasperated as, from recent events, they 
would assuredly become, Capt. Stewart wisely thought, that a free 
foot on the mountains would be safer for him, and better for his 
friends, than confinement within the limits of a wooden fortress, how- 
ever spiritedly defended. In the night following the battle, taking 
with him twenty or thirty trusty followers, he abandoned Fort Dur- 
kee, leaving about twenty persons, least obnoxious to the vengeance 
of the enemy. With the break of morning, his retreat was known to 

* FroTn Hugh Gaines^ New York Gazette, Nov. 11, 1771. 
" Philadelphia Nov. 4. — At the Supreme Court, held here on Tuesday last, William 
Speddy was arraigned and tried for the murder of Lieut. Nathan Ogden, who was shot from 
the block-house, at Wioming, while it was in the possession of Lazarus Stewart, and com- 
pany ; and after a long and impartial hearing, the jury soon gave in their verdict, ' not 
GUILTY.' " 



128 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Capt. Ogden, who, forthwith, took possession of the Fort, and, as 
was the invariable custom, sent the garrison to jail, at Easton ; She- 
rift' Hacklein returning with them in charge. This, the reader will 
observe, was the fifth total expulsion of the Yankees. 

An additional reward of three hundred pounds was now offered 
for the arrest of Stewart, and the Governor in his communication to 
the Assembly, represented the killing of Nathan Ogden, as a 
treacherous murder, demanding prompt and condign punishment. 

Capt. Ogden now devoted himself assiduously to rendering Fort 
Wyoming impregnable, so far as his means would admit, to any 
force the Yankees could muster to assail it. February and March 
passed away without the slightest interruption, or even note of 
alarm. Too wary to be again so caught, Ogden this time, less as- 
sured that his conquest was safe, had remained with his men, to 
defend what they had purchased at, to him, a price so dear. It was 
well, though in vain, he did so, for early in April Capt. Zebulon 
Butler, with Capt. Stewart as an assistant, accompanied by an hun- 
dred and fifty armed men, entered the valley, and forthwith laid 
vigorous seige to Fort Wyoming. Three redoubts were thrown up, one 
on the opposite side of the river, chiefly with a view to cut off all 
access to water ; — one on the river bank, between Forts Durkee and 
Wyoming; the other on the hill, known ever since as "The Re- 
doubt," by the canal basin, at the upper part of the town of Wilkes- 
barre. The cannon, which had been carefully hid by the Yankees, 
too precious to be exposed to capture by a sortie, was placed on this 
elevation, and with skilful gunners, would have completely com- 
manded Ogden's position. But distance and want of skill rendered 
it in a very slight degree effective. 

Among the new body of emigrants, were two of the Gore family, 
from Norwich, (whose names will fill a bright and a bloody page in 
our subsequent annals.) Obadiah Gore, Esq., the father, and Daniel 
Gore his son, blacksmiths by trade, full of ardour, and replete with 
Yankee ingenuity. They conceived the design of adding to the 
ordnance, a new cannon. A large pepperage* log was fashioned, bored, 
and then hooped from breach to muzzle with stout bands of iron. — 
Painted black, with a red mouth, and mounted on a wagon ; — its 
appearance at least was sufficiently formidable. The first discharge 
excited at once admiration and hope among its friends. Re-loaded, 



* Presumed to be the Nyssa-Sylvatica, the Upland Tupelo-Tree — or Sour Gum of 
Marshall. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 129 

a heavier charge was driven home that a corresponding execution 
might be produced, — the cannon split, and so terrible was the ex- 
plosion that one of the iron bands, thrown a thousand feet across the 
Susquehanna, was afterwards found in the willows on the river shore. 
To courage no way inferior to that of Ogden, the Connecticut 
party, in Capt. Butler, had a commander, skilled in the arts of war 
by long service, and so thorough was the investment, and so closely 
pressed, that not a man could venture out for food, fuel, or water, 
without being met by a volley from one of the redoubts. The gar- 
rison, containing nearly an hundred souls, soon felt the pressure of 
actual want, (for all were placed on short allowance,) and the dread 
of approaching famine. Husbanding his resources however, in the 
most prudent manner, and in the darkness and stillness of night 
bringing up from the river sufficient water to last through the day, 
Ogden determined to hold out to the last extremity. But without 
aid, time must exhaust his provisions, and then to surrender would 
be inevitable. The descent of Capt. Butler had been made with 
such secrecy and celerity that not the slightest notice of his approach 
had been received, and instantly the fort had been so completely sur- 
rounded, no messenger could be despatched to the Proprietary Gov- 
ernment, which was entirely ignorant of the recent events which had 
transpired at Wyoming, and the relief demanded by the critical state 
of the garrison. To convey intelligence to head quarters opened the 
only avenue of hope, and Ogden, as the achievement demanded the ut- 
most boldness, promptitude and wisdom, determined to be himself the 
messenger. The deed alone was sufficient to immortalize any man, and 
stamp his name with the title of hero. A little past midnight on 
the 12th of July, when all was quiet, one of the Yankee sentinels 
saw something floating on the river having a very suspicious appear- 
ance. A shot awakened attention, and directed the eyes of every 
other sentinel to the spot. A volley was poured in, but producing 
no apparent effect; the thing still floating gently with the current, 
the firing was suspended, while the " wonder grew" what the ob- 
ject could be. Capt. Ogden had tied his clothes in a bundle, and 
fastened his hat to the top; to this was connected a string of several 
yards in length which he fastened to his arm. Letting himself noise- 
lessly into the water, swimming on his back so deeply as only to allow 
his lips to breathe — the whole movement demanding the most extra- 
ordinary skill and self possession, he floated down, drawing the 
bundle after him. As he had calculated, this being the only object 
9 



130 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

apparent, drew the fire of his foes. He escaped unhurt, and when 
out of danger dressed himself in his drenched clothing and hat, per- 
forated with bullets, and with the speed of the roebuck was in the 
city on the third day, having accomplished one hundred and twenty 
miles through a most rough and inhospitable wilderness. The ser- 
vices of that man, we are sure, have never been justly appreciated, 
and we fear have not been fairly rewarded. 

Instantly the whole city M^as in commotion. Three hundred 
pounds were drawn from the public treasury to raise recruits. 
Captain Dick was hastened forward, Ogden in company, with a 
strong convoy of provisions. Captain Morris and his company was 
directed to follow with the least possible delay. Colonel Asher 
Clayton, a veteran of the French war, who was to have the chief 
command, (nominally, we presume, for it cannot be imagined Ogden 
would be superseded,) was ordered with a strong force to hasten 
his march. Captain Ledlie was put in requisition to follow with as 
much expedition as circumstances would admit. 

In the meantime, while this apparently overpowering storm was 
gathering for his destruction. Captain Butler pushed on the siege, 
and with true Yankee providence, directed that at the same time the 
labors of the field should not be intermitted ; and the flats, though 
with imperfect cultivation, from their extreme fertility, presented a 
waving sea of luxuriant Indian corn, and other summer fruits, a 
valuable possession or prize, as either party should be ultimately 
victorious. 

Hurrying forward with about thirty men, and a number of pack- 
horses, loaded with ammunition and provisions, Captain Dick, on 
the last of July, descended into the valley. Nothing escaped the 
vigilance or sagacity of Captain Butler. Ogden's escape was soon 
known, and his speedy return with aid was not for a moment 
doubted. Sentinels were placed in proper positions to detect the 
approach of a hostile party. Every movement of Captain Dick 
was carefully watched. An ambush was laid in the most promising 
ground near the fort. Taking life so far from being desired, was 
sincerely deprecated, but to secure the provisions was an object of 
the first importance, and if the escort could be thrown into the fort, 
to help eat up the scanty remnant that was left, the garrison 
most so much the sooner capitulate ; besides it was far better to 
have the enemy cooped up in the fortress, than free to make attacks 
on the rear. A volley from opposite coverts, a huzza, and a rush 
forward of t^he Yankees, had the desired effect. Captains Dick and 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 131 

Ogden, with about twenty of their men, found refuge in the fort, 
while their pack-horses, and most of their loading, became a prize 
to Captain Butler, who had the satisfaction of seeing his well laid 
plan succeed to his utmost wishes.* 

When the sad news of the discomfiture of Captain Dick reached 
Philadelphia, men were seen running in every direction in " hot 
haste." Another three hundred pounds were drawn from the 
treasury. New recruits were put in requisition. Ledlie was hur- 
ried on to overtake Clayton and Morris, and the greatest conster- 
nation reigned among the friends of the Proprietary Government. 
Not so the people. With few exceptions, those who had no direct 
interest in the lands, began to look on, at least with indifference, and 
many with favor to the Connecticut party. To this cause was to 
be ascribed the extreme difficulty of raising a sufficient force at 
once, to put an end to the contest. 

The siege was now pushed with redoubled vigor; Colonel Clay- 
ton, with strong re-inforcements being expected, every hour's delay 
was pregnant with danger, that the chief objects of the campaign, 
on the point of being clutched, would be snatched from his grasp. 
To starve out the garrison without bloodshed, had been the humane 
purpose of Captain Butler, but more efficient action, in his esti- 
mate of duty, had become requisite. Blood began to flow. Several 
of the garrison were wounded. The gallant Ogden received a rifle 
ball in his left arm near the shoulder, and nearly fainting, reposed on 
the breast of Lieut. William Redyard, when a bullet struck the latter, 
and he fell lifeless upon the ground. A negotiation entered into on 
the 14th of August, was soon concluded by articles of capitulation, 

*From Hugh Gainers Nev) York Gazette, August 12, 1771. 

" Philadelphia, August 8. — The report of a party of men being cut off. who were despatch- 
ed from Northampton county, with provisions for our people in the Block House at Wyo- 
ming, who are besieged by the Connecticut party, appears by the following extract of a letter, 
which came to town on the 6th, by express from the person who commanded the convoy, to 
be without foundation : — 

"Wyoming, August 1, 1771. 

Last Tuesday about break of day, I arrived at this place with 31 men and the provisions, 
and was attacked by the Connecticut party, who had information of our coming, by a letter 
falling into their hands with which an Indian was sent by Captain Ogden. We were surround- 
ed by their fire, and lost two horse loads of our flour, and got in with the remainder and 
twenty two men, two of whom are wounded. Nine of our men are missing ; whether they 
retreated, or are killed, I cannot as yet give information. They have kept an almost con- 
tinued fire on the Block House ever since from four entrenchments ; but we are determined 
to hold out to the last extremity. I am Sir, your humble servant, 

JO IN DICK." 



132 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

by which the fort was surrendered. Colonel Clayton, Captains Dick 
and Morris, with Captain Ogden, and all the Pennsylvania troops, 
were forthwith to withdraw from Wyoming. Mr. Gordon states the 
terms of capitulation to have been, " That twenty-three men might 
leave the fort armed, and with the remainder unarmed, might pro- 
ceed unmolested to their respective habitations ; that the men having 
families might abide on the debateable land for two weeks, and 
might remove their effects without interruption, and that the sick 
and wounded might retain their nurses, and have leave to send for a 
physician." Signed on behalf of the Yankees by 

Zebulon Butler, 
Lazarus Stewart, 
John Smith, 
On the part of the Proprietary Government by 

AsHER Clayton, 
Joseph Morris, 
John Dick. 

An anecdote is mentioned by Gordon so characteristic of the 
chivalry of Captain Butler, that we cannot doubt its correctness. 
That he offered to determine the rights of the respective claimants by 
a contest of thirty men to be selected by each party. Had not Amos 
Ogden been wounded, his spirit would have bounded with joy to 
the contest.* Captain Ledlie, who was on his march, met the retiring 
array of his discomfited friends, from whom he received an accession 
of eight or ten men, best acquainted with the valley, to act as guides, 
and as he was not included in the capitulation, continued his advance 
and took up a position on the mountain, intending to remain until 
he should receive orders to retreat, or a powerful reinforcement 
should be sent to his support. In the meantime he guarded the 
passes most frequented by the emigrating Yankees, who apprised of 
his position, evaded his sentinels, and every day added to the 
number of the Connecticut settlers. This great victory, achieved 
over a superior force with a sacrifice, comparatively so inconsider- 
able, established entire confidence in the ultimate success of the 
Yankee cause; and Captain Butler was hailed as the saviour of 

* William Redyard was laid by the side of Kathan Ogden, who had been interred in what 
is now the street below the house of Colonel Welles, near the corner. Could their bones be 
found, or should they by accident be discovered, most certainly they should be removed to the 
burying place, and decently buried, witli a stone and inscription to mark the spot. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. I33 

Wyoming. His name was now a host, and multitudes flocked to 
the valley under protection of his standard. 

Foiled in every attempt to establish a post on the disputed lands ; 
becoming, daily, more and more unpopular as the difficulties with 
Great Britain and the colonies increased, the Proprietary Govern- 
ment ordered the return of Capt. Ledlie, and left the Susquehanna 
Company in undisturbed possession of the ground, who forthwith 
proceeded with all practicable celerity to increase their settlements, 
and consolidate their power. 

Thus closes the first Pennymite and Yankee war. Commencing 
in January, 1769, it had continued, with what variety of incident, 
and alternation of success, the reader is apprised, to Sept. 1771 — a 
period of nearly three years. 

Judging, and probably not without truth, from the boldness and 
confidence of the proceedings of the intruding Yankees, that they 
were encouraged and sustained by the Government of Connecticut, 
Mr. Hamilton, President of Council, on abandoning all military 
demonstrations, opened a correspondence with Gov. Trumbull, upon 
the subject. In a letter, dated October 4, 1771, after detailing the 
events that had transpired at Susquehanna, he proceeds : — 

" As the people concerned in these violent and hostile measures, 
profess to act under the authority of your Government, and have 
made a capitulation expressly on behalf of the Government, I have 
thought it proper and expedient to send a messenger to your Honour, 
on purpose to know, with certainty, whether they have proceeded in 
any sort under your countenance or authority, or that of your 
Assembly, and as this must be a matter within your knowledge, I 
make no doubt but you will despatch the express with a speedy 
answer." 

In reply, Gov. Trumbull thus cautiously and ingeniously expresses 
himself. 

" New Haven, Oct. 14, 1771. 

" The persons concerned in those transactions have no order and 
direction from me, or from the General Assembly of the colony, for 
their proceeding upon this occasion, and I am very confident that 
the General Assembly, friends as they ever have been to peace and 
good order, will never countenance any violent, much less hostile 
measures, in vindicating the right which the Susquehanna Company 
suppose they have to the lands in that part of the country within 
the limits of the Charter of this colony." 



]34 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

The reader will, particularly, note the concluding line, in which 
the assumption is absolute, that the part of the " country is within 
the limits of the Charter of Connecticut." Such an official declara- 
tion at the time was well calculated to encourage new emigrations, 
and strengthen the hands of the settlers. 

Governor Trumbull then proceeds to say, that each of the contend- 
ing parties, it is understood, charge on the other the commencement 
of violence, of which he was not a proper judge. Here for the pre- 
sent, negotiations ended, to be renewed as will appear, a few years 
after, at a more propitious period. 



LETTEU XII. 



1772-3. List of Settlers— First white women in Wyoming — Stockade at Mill Creek, on 

the Ruins of Fort Ogden — Young Hollenback — Furniture — Mode of Living — Fifty miles 
to Mill — Indians — First Marriage in Wyoming — Doings of Committee — Famine — John 
Carey — Interesting Expedition — A Wedding, and the benevolent Scotchman — Sickness — 
— First Mills — David Meade — Wilkesbarre — Ferries — Settlement of first Gospel Minis- 
ter — Rev. Jacob Johnson — Toleration— Rev. Mr. Gray — Rev. Elkanah Holmes — Free 
Schools — Military organization — Prohibition of selling Liquor to Indians — Shares, and 
Half Share Rights — Constitution of Government, voluntarily established — Physicians — 
Vote of Connecticut Assembly — Renewed Negotiations. 



In entering upon 1772, the fourth year of the permanent settlement 
by the Connecticut people upon the Susquehanna, we find the aspect 
of affairs essentially changed. The stern alarms of war were suc- 
ceeded by the sweet songs of peace. Availing ourselves of the lei- 
sure afforded, we enter on a variety of civil and social details neces- 
sary to a perfect knowledge of the early history of Wyoming. So 
similar was the current of life, and so interwoven the events, that in 
this letter, we purpose to include a view of the two years, 1772 and 
'73, this period of time intervening between the close of the war with 
the Proprietaries, and the official recognition of the settlement by 
Connecticut, and the formal establishment of her jurisdiction west of 
the Delaware. 

While some may turn away from a mere column of names ; others, 
curious in such things may be pleased to see a list of the two hun- 
dred first enrolled as actual settlers to " man their rights" in the five 
allotted townships. The roll bears date June 2d, 1769. Especially 
will many of the grand children, or those of the fourth generation, 
look anxiously for the names of their progenitors. A few, after the 
first sharp collision, did not return, and their places wei*e supplied 
by others. Several fell in the unhappy conflict, more in the revolu- 
tionary war; but we recognise in the list, a considerable number, 



136 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 



whom time and war had spared, as the kindliest friends of our early 
manhood. 

A more brave, hardy, and enterprising set of men never encoun- 
tered danger in the field ; or gave their stalwart arms to the settle- 
ment of a wilderness. Though perhaps an hundred others were 
concerned, from time to time, in the warlike scenes we have detailed, 
those, here recounted, it is believed, bore the chief brunt of the con- 
test. At no time, until 1772, were there more than one hundred and 
thirty men on the ground at once, some being on the way out, and 
others returning home. As there was no mode of enforcing discipline, 
the association being voluntary, each man acted as prompted by his 
own sense of interest and propriety. 

DCF' Those names having a star [ * ] affixed to them, were of 
the Forty, or first settlers in Kingston. 



David Whittlesey, 
Job Green, 
Philip Goss, 
Joshua Whitney, 
Abraham Savage, 
Ebenezer Stearns, 
Sylvester Chesebrough, 
Zephaniah Thayer, 
Eliphalet Jewel, 
Daniel Gore, 
Ozias Yale, 
Henry Wall,* 
Rowland Barton, 
Gideon Lawrence, 
Asa Lawrence, 
Nathaniel Watson, 
Philip Weeks, 
Thomas Weeks, 
Asher Harrot, 
Ebenezer Hebbard, 
Morgan Carvan, 
Samuel Marvin, 
Silas Gore, 
Ebenezer Northrop, 
Joshua Lampher, 



Joseph Hillman, 
Abel Pierce, 
Jabez Roberts, 
Jonathan Carrington, 
John Dorrance, 
Noah Allen, 
Robert Jackson, 
Zebulon Hawksey, 
James Dunkin, 
Caleb Tennant, 
Zerobable Wightman, 
Gurdon Hopson, 
Asa Lee. 

Thomas Wallworth, 
Robert Hunter, 
John Baker, 
Jonathan Orms, 
Daniel Angel, 
Elias Roberts, 
Nicholas Manvil, 
Thomas Gray, 
Joseph Gaylord, 
Wm. Churchell, 
Henry Strong, 
ZebulonTrisbee, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 



137 



Hezekiah Knap, 
John Kenyon, 
Preserved Taylpr, 
'"^saac Bennett, 
Uriah Marvin, 
Abisha Bingham, 
Moses Hebbard, Jr. 
Jabez Fish, 
Peris Briggs, 
Aaron Walter, 
James May, 
Samuel Badger, 
Jabez Cooke, 
Samuel Dorrance, 
John Comstock,* 
Samuel Hotchkiss, 
Wm. Leonard, 
Jesse Leonard, 
Elisha Avery, 
Ezra-Buel, 
Gershom Hewit, 
Nathaniel Goss, 
Benjamin Hewit, 
Benj. Hewit, Jr., 
Elias Thomas, 
Abijah Mock, 
Ephraim Fellows, 
Joseph Arnold, 
Ephraim Arnold, 
Benjamin Ashley, 
Wm. White, 
Stephen Hull, 
Diah Hull, 
Joseph Lee, 
Samuel Wy brant, ' 
Reuben Hurlbut, 
Jenks Corah, 
Obadiah Gore, Jr., 
Caleb White, 
Samuel Sweet, 
Thomas Knight, 



John Jollee, 
Ebenezer Norton, 
Enos Yale, 
John Wiley, 
Timothy Vorce, 
Cyrus Kenne, 
John Shaw, 
James Forsythe, 
Peter Harris,* 
Abel Smith, 
Elias Parks, 
Joshua Maxfield, 
John Murphy, 
■ -Thomas Bennet,* 
Christopher Avery, 
Elisha Babcock, 
John Perkins, 
Joseph Slocum, 
Robert Hopkins, 
Benjamin Shoemaker, Jr., 
Jabez Sill, 
Parshall Terry, 
John Belong, 
Theophilus Westover,* 
John Sterling, 
Joseph Morse, 
Stephen Fuller, 
Andrew Durkee, 
Andrew Medcalf, 
Daniel Brown, 
Jonathan Buck, 
David Mead, 
Thomas Ferlin, 
Wm. Wallsworth, 
Thomas Draper, 
James Smith, 
James Atherton, Jr.,* 
Oliver Smith,* 
James Evans, 
Eleazer Carey, 
Cyprian Lothrop,* 



138 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 



James Nesbitt, 
Joseph Webster, 
Samuel Millington, 
Benjamin Budd, 
John Lee, 
Josiah Dean, 
Zophur Teed, 
Moses Hebbard, 
Dan Murdock, 
Noah Lee, 
Stephen Lee, 
Daniel Haynes, 
Lemuel Smith, 
Silas Park, 
Stephen Hungerford, 
Zerobable Jeorum,* 
Comfort Goss, 
Wm. Draper, 
Thomas McClure, 
Peter Ayers. 
Solomon Johnson, 
Phineas Stevens, 
Abraham Colt, 
Elijah Buck,* 
Noah Read, 
Nathan Beach, 
Job Green, Jr., 
Fred. Wise, 
Stephen Jenkins, 
Daniel Marvin, 
Zachariah Squier, 
Henry Wall, 



Simeon Draper,* 
John Wallsworth, 
Ebenezer Stone, 
Thomas Olcott, 
Stephen Hinsdale, 
Benjamin Dorchester, 
Elijah Witter, 
Oliver Post, 
Daniel Cass, 
Isaac Tracy, 
Samuel Story, 
John Mitchel, 
Samuel Orton, 
Christopher Gardner, 
Duty Ceroid, 
Peris Bradford, 
Samuel Morgan. 
John Clark, 
Elijah Lewis, 
Timothy Hopkins, 
Edward Johnson, 
Jacob Dingman, 
Capt. Prince Alden, ^ 
Benedict Satterlee,* 
Naniad Coleman, 
Peter Comstock, 
John Franklin, 
Benjamin Matthews, 
Jno. Durkee, 
Wm. Gallop, .„, 
Stephen Hurlbut, 
Stephen Miles. 



Very few of the settlers had yet brought out their families ; and 
in May, 1772, there were only five white women in Wilkesbarre : — 
Mrs. McClure, wife of James McClure; Mrs. Bennett, grandmother 
of Rufus Bennett, (who was in the Indian battle) ; Mrs. Sill, wife of 
Jabez Sill ; another Mrs. Bennett, wife of Thomas Bennett, mother 
of Mrs. Myers, now living in Kingston, (to whose clear mind and 
retentive memory, we are indebted for most valuable information ;) 
and Mrs. Hickman, with her husband ; Mrs. Dr. Sprague, and her 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 139 

daughter, afterwards Mrs. Young. The second white child born in 
Wilkesbarre was a daughter of Mrs. McClure. 

With increasing numbers, and prudent apprehensions of danger, 
more extensive stockades were thought necessary for protection, and 
the admirable position at Mill Creek, the ruins of Fort Ogden, was 
resumed, placed in the best condition, and made head-quarters of the 
chief men on the east side of the river. 

Let us look in upon them. Huts were built all around the inside, 
against the wall, of upright timbers. They were one story high ; 
several were divided into a number of small, but neat and comfort- 
able rooms. The huts of Capt. Butler and Nathan Denison, adjoin- 
ed each other. Next in the row was the store of Matthias Hollen- 
back. He had brought up from Lancaster county a variety of 
indispensable articles. Denison and Hollenback, then young men, 
the latter twenty, the former twenty-three ! Having seen, near forty 
years afterwards, their venerable forms wrapped in their cloaks, one 
on the right and the other on the left, as Associate Judges of Penn- 
sylvania, his Hon. Judge Rush, presiding, we could not repress an 
allusion to the contrast. — The next in order, the largest building in 
the stockade, was a boarding house kept by Dr. Joseph Sprague. 
Neither a chair nor table, nor bedstead, except the rude construction 
of an auger and axe, was yet in the settlement. A samp mortar, 
that is a large stump, hollowed eight or ten inches by burning, the 
pestle worked by a spring pole, pounded corn, wheat, and rye, for 
bread; and this was their only mill. " Venison and shad," said the 
good Mrs. Young, "were plenty; but salt was a treasure." — Dr. 
Sprague would load his horse with wheat, and go out by the bridle 
path, for as yet there was no road, to the Delaware at Coshutunk, 
have his grist ground, get a few spices, and a runlet of Antigua rum. 
The cakes baked from the flour, and the liquor, were kept as dain- 
ties for some special occasion, or when emigrants of note came in 
from Connecticut. 

The venerable and esteemed John Carey, who has given his name 
to Carey town is the only survivor of this interesting collection of 
early settlers. [He died, 1844.] 

After the massacre of 1763, the Indians generally left the valley, 
but a number had returned, not as a tribe, but the scattered rem- 
nants of tribes, chiefly of those who had been partially christianized 
by the Moravians; though from subsequent events it is not doubted 
that spies of the Six Nations were kept among them, and reported 
from time to time the condition of the settlement, to the Council at 



140 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Onondago. — A small number, friendly, and good neighbors, lived on 
the flats half a mile above Mill creek, and frequently visited the 
stockade. Among them were Capt. Job Gillaway, Black Henry, 
and John Lystrum. The wife of Capt. Gillaway seemed pious and 
well disposed. From the Moravians she had derived the name of 
Comfort, and the knowledge to knit and to sew^. The men were 
excellent hunters and supplied the fort with game. 

The first marriage in Wyoming was that of Mr. Nathan, after- 
wards Col. Denison, and Miss Sill. The Rev. Jacob Johnson was 
the officiating minister, and the place where the knot was tied, and 
the nuptials celebrated, was a house on the spot now occupied by 
the mansion of the late Col. Welles, at the lower corner, on River 
street, of the Wilkesbarre town plot. 

From the stockade the people, breakfasting early, taking with 
them a luncheon, went forth armed to their daily labour. The view 
here presented, with slight variations, was exhibited in four or five 
different places in the valley. Stockades, or block-houses were built 
in Hanover, and Plymouth. The celebrated Forty Fort in Kingston 
was occupied. Many returned to the east for their families, and 
new settlers came in. It was a season rather of activity than la- 
bour; moving and removing, surveying, drawing lots for land rights, 
preparing for building; hastily clearing up patches to sow with 
winter grain ; the sad consequence of which was, the harvests of 
autumn were not sufficient for the considerably augmented number 
of inhabitants. Until the conclusion of 1772 very little of the forms 
of law, or the regulations of civil government had been introduced or 
required. Town Committees exercised the power of deciding on 
contested land rights. 

Thus:—" Doings of the Committee May 22, 1772. 

" That Rosewell Franklin have that right in Wilkesbarre, drawn 
by Thomas Stevens. 

" That James Bidlack have that right in Plymouth, drawn by 
Nathaniel Drake. 

" That Mr. McDowell be voted into the Forty town, (Kingston.) 

" That for the special services done this Company by Col. Dyer, 
agreed that his son, Thomas Dyer, shall have a right in the Forty, if 
he has a man on it by the first day of August next. 

" That the rights that are sold in the six mile township, or Ca- 
pouse, shall be sold at sixty dollars each, and bonds taken ;" etc. 

It may be regarded as a transition year, full of undefined pleasure, 
flowing from the newness and freshness of the scene — a comparative 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 



141 



sense of security — the exultation from having come off victorious — 
the influx of old neighbours from Connecticut, who must listen to 
the adventures and hair-breadth escapes of the narrator, an older 
settler by eighteen months than his hearer. Then the beautiful val- 
ley must be shown to the new come inquisitive wives and daughters, 
who had been told so much of its surpassing loveliness. The year 
passed without justice or lawyer — judge or sheriff— dun or con- 
stable — civil suit or crime; and from the representations of the old 
people, may be considered as a season of wild, joyous, almost un- 
alloyed happiness. 

The month of February, 1773, had so nearly exhausted the pro- 
visions of the Wilkesbarre settlement, that five persons were select- 
ed to go to the Delaware, near Stroudsburg, for supplies. Mr. 
John Carey, (an excellent soldier, a most worthy citizen, whom we 
shall again have pleasure to mention,) then a lad of sixteen, volun- 
teered as one of the party. The distance was fifty miles through 
the wilderness ; numerous streams, including the deep and rapid Le- 
high were to be crossed. Had these been frozen over so as to be 
passable, their toils would have been sensibly mitigated, but the ice 
had formed on each side, many feet from the shore, leaving in the 
centre a deep rushing flood. Stripping naked, tying iheir clothes 
and sacks on their heads and shoulders, cutting a way through the 
ice from the shore to the stream, and from the stream to the opposite 
shore, they waded through, dressed themselves, and found warmth 
in marching rapidly. Arrived at the good old Scotchman's, and 
sending in to make known their errand, Mr. McDowell came out, 
rubbing his hands in great glee, bade them welcome, but in his 
Scotch dialect, broad as his benevolence, told them he had a house 
thronged with company, on the occasion of his daughter's wedding. 
Among the guests were magistrates and others, whose enmity was to 
be dreaded, if they knew a party of Yankees were within reach ; but 
gave directions that they should warm themselves noiselessly at 
an out-house, then take shelter in the barn, where comfortable 
blankets were spread on the mow, a most royal supper sent them, 
with spirits and wine ; their sacks were filled with flour, and their 
pockets with provisions. The four men took each an hundred pounds, 
young Carey seventy-five, and welcome was their return to their 
half-famished friends at Wilkesbarre. Never was an opening Spring, 
or the coming of the shad, looked for with more anxiety, or hailed 
with more cordial delight. The fishing season of course, dissipated 
all fears, and the dim eye was soon exchanged for the glance of joy 



142 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

and the sparkle of pleasure, and the dry, sunken cheek of want 
assumed the plump appearance of health and plenty. 
^The vSpring too was attended with sickness. Several deaths took 
place. Captain Butler buried a son named Zebulon ; and soon after, 
his wife followed her boy to the grave. Both were interred on the 
hill, near where the upper street of the borough is cut through the 
rocks, as it passes from the main street to the canal basin. This 
picture of the early settlement, simple in its details, we could not 
doubt would be agreeable to numbers now living, and not less so 
to readers in future years, when the valley shall become, as it is 
destined to be, rich and populous, not surpassed, if equalled in the 
Union. 

Among the first objects of general interest was the erection of a 
grist-mill. This was undertaken by Nathan Chapman, to whom a 
grant was made of the site, where Hollenback's old mill now stands, 
near the stone bridge, on the road from Wilkesbarre to Pittston. 
Forty acres of land were part of the donation. Mr. Hollenback 
brought the mill-irons in his boat from Wright's ferry, and the voy- 
age was rendered memorable by the loss of Lazarus Young, a valuable 
young man, who was drowned on the way up. 

Immediately afterwards, the town voted : " To give unto Captain 
Stephen Fuller, Obadiah Gore, jr., and Mr. Seth Marvin, all the 
privileges of the stream called Mill Creek, below Mr. Chapman's 
mill, to be their own property, with full liberty of building mills, 
and flowing a pond, but so as not to obstruct or hinder Chapman's 
mills : Provided, they will have a saw-mill, ready to go by the 1st day 
of November, 1773, which gift shall be to them, their heirs and 
assigns, forever." And this was the first saw-mill erected on the 
upper waters of the Susquehanna. 

The township of Wilkesbarre had been surveyed in 1770, by 
David Meade, and received its name from John Wilkes and Colonel 
Barre, members of Parliament, and distinguished advocates for 
liberty, and the rights of the Colonies. " Wilkes and Liberty — 
North Britain — 45," was then heard from every tongue. A final 
division was now made of the back lots among the proprietors. The 
town plot, now the borough, was laid out by a liberal forecast, on 
a very handsome scale. On a high flat, on the east bank of the 
Susquehanna, above all fear of inundation, the position was chosen. 
Two hundred acres were divided into eight squares of twenty-five 
acres, and these into six lots each, containing, after the streets were 
taken off", about three and three quarters of an acre. A spacious 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 143 

central square was allotted for public buildings. The main avenue, 
perfectly straight for two miles, passing through the town plot from 
north-east to south-west, was cut at right angles by five streets. On 
the bank of the river a wide space was left, still beautiful, though 
much diminished by the ice and floods of the stream. 

Two ferries were kept, one opposite Northampton street, the other 
at Mill Creek ; and from these a revenue of some moment in those 
early times, was derived. From twenty-five dollars a year, the rent 
of the lower ferry soon rose to sixty dollars ; that at Mill Creek 
yielding half that sum, until discontinued on the erection of mills in 
Kingston. 

Mills and ferries having been provided, with true Pilgrim zeal, at- 
tention was immediately turned to the subject of a gospel ministry, 
and the establishment of schools. 

" At a town meeting, December 11, 1772, Captain Stephen Fuller 
was appointed moderator. Voted, to give and grant, unto the Rev. 
Jacob Johnson, and his heirs and assigns forever, in case he settle 
in this town, as a gospel minister, fifty acres of land, &c." 

In August following, feeling themselves more able, or more liberal 
(for the time it was munificent) provision was made. 

" At a town meeting held at Wilkesbarre, August 23, 1773, Mr. 
Jacob Sill, chosen moderator, Joseph Sluman, clerk. 

Voted, That a call or invitation, shall be given to the Rev. Jacob 
Johnson, late of Groton, in the colony of Connecticut, who for some 
time past has been preaching in this place, to continue a settler 
with us as our gospel minister. 

2d. That Mr. Johnson shall be paid sixty pounds the year ensuing, 
on the present list, and his salary shall rise annually, as our list rises, 
till it amounts to one hundred pounds, etc." (Connecticut currency, 
six shillings to the dollar, or $333 1-3.) 

In laying out the town originally, two lots containing about four 
hundred acres of back lands, had been set off for the first settled 
minister, and for schools. One of those lots, and the fifty acres above 
mentioned, together with a town lot of four acres, will show the 
liberal provision made for gospel purposes. 

Mr. Johnson, a Presbyterian clergyman, was a graduate of Yale 
College, and was the grandfather of Ovid F. Johnson, Esq., the pre- 
sent (1842) Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Some highly inte- 
resting additional particulars of this eminent man, (" that wicked 
priest of Canojoharie") will be found in another page. 



144 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

It is but just to observe, that amidst this zeal, there prevailed the 
most amiable spirit of toleration. Finding that a number of the inha- 
bitants were Baptists, and attended the ministrations of Mr. Gray, at 
Kingston, the vote was rescinded which demanded a tax from them, 
and a different, but satisfactory arrangement made with their 
minister. 

At a subsequent period, during the temporary absence of Mr. 
Johnson, the Rev. Elkanah Holmes officiated, preaching in Plymouth, 
Kingston and Wilkesbarre. 

A vote was also passed, " To raise three pence on the pound, on 
the district list, to keep a free school in the several school districts 
in the said Wilkesbarre." A subsequent meeting specially warned, 
adopted measures for the keeping open free schools, one in the upper 
district, one in the lower, and a third on the town plot. 

These votes, thus early in the settlement, passed in the midst of 
poverty and danger, may be referred to by the descendants of those 
pilgrim fathers, with honest pride. They will remain to all enduring 
time, monuments of religious zeal, and their earnest desire to ad- 
vance the intellectual and moral condition of their children. 

Military organization was not neglected. Following the order 
then existing in New England, discipline was enforced as indispen- 
sable to the existence of the settlement. In each township a com- 
pany was^enrolled, and led to the choice of officers ; and in Wilkes- 
barre, from its being divided by natural boundaries into two sec- 
tions, and its more rapid increase of inhabitants, at an early day 
two companies were formed. If the splendid uniform, the glitter- 
ing bayonet, the evolution, rapid and precise, with the imposing 
band of many instruments of music, did not grace their trainings, 
there was yet upon the ground the strong-banded old French musket, 
the long duck shooting piece, and more efficient than either, the close- 
drawing rifle, little known in New England, but becoming familiar 
among the settlers on the Susquehanna. At a moment when it has be- 
come popular to deride the militia, I deem it proper to say, in defence 
of a thorough, and never relaxing organization and discipline, 
that in my opinion America owes her Independence to immediate 
and remote causes connected with the militia system, the enroll- 
ment and training existing in the colonies : and that Pennsylvania 
cannot too seduously encourage and preserve that right arm of her 
power, never forgetting, or encroaching upon, what should be deemed 
the sacred rights of persons conscientiously scrupulous of bearing 
arms. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 145 

Among the earliest resolutions adopted by the settlers, was one 
which has been, I think unjustly, censured as severe. 

Any person selling liquor to an Indian was to forfeit his goods, 
and be expelled the colony. In justification of this seemingly harsh 
enactment, it may be observed : — That the massacre of 1763 had 
been ascribed to the Indians being intoxicated; and fears existed 
that under, to the Indians, the phrenzying influence of rum, another 
massacre might be attempted; or what was more immediately prob- 
able, that individual murders would be committed — retaliation fol- 
low, and the settlement be brought into hostile collision with the 
Six Nations, whose subjects the scattered Indians in the valley were. 
Penalties too severe, if effectual, could not be imposed, to avert so 
fatal a mischief. 

Rights — shares — and half shares, being frequently mentioned in 
the ancient proceedings of the Susquehanna and Delaware pur- 
chases, or companies, it seems proper that they should be explained 
more fully. Those purchases of a degree of latitude, and two in 
longitude would give nearly five millions of acres. — The shares is- 
sued by the Susquehanna Company, increased from eight hundred 
and fifty, to twelve hundred and forty, several, perhaps an hundred, 
being granted for sei*vices rendered. A considerable number of half 
shares were given out, as many poor persons wished an interest in 
the purchase, whom, of course it was politic to oblige, and who did 
not feel able to buy a whole right. As dictated by prudence, only 
two thousand acres were allowed to be surveyed on a whole share, 
and one thousand on a half share, the balance being deferred until 
all the shares should have a chance of location. 

Prices of whole shares varied from fifty to one hundred dollars. 
In a deed from Palmer Avery, dated March 7, 1767, the consider- 
ation is set down as thirty pounds. Another deed of subsequent 
date contains a consideration of twenty pounds. The last sales by 
the company, previous to the Trenton decree, were at fifteen pounds 
ten shillings. Like other stocks, the price varied with the varying 
prospects of the company. 

Townships of six miles square, generally, were surveyed in the 
Delaware purchase, extending from the Delaware to within ten 
miles of the Susquehanna. The Susquehanna purchase was laid 
out, generally, in townships of five miles square. 

To preserve order, and prevent interfering claims, a wise system 
was early adopted, and rigidly enforced. A land office was es- 
tablished — rights, full, or half shares, being produced to the amount 
10 



146 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

of sixteen thousand acres, a survey by an appointed officer was made 
of the township, a patent, or grant issued and recorded, the shares 
being received and cancelled. For several years John Jenkins was 
surveyor general; and Joseph Biles his deputy ran more lines than 
any other surveyor in the purchase. 

As the colony could not well subsist, with its greatly increasing 
population, and diversified interests, without a code of laws to govern 
them, and it did not yet accord with the cautious policy of Connecti- 
cut to avouch their proceedings, and extend her jurisdiction beyond 
the Delaware : a meeting of the Susquehanna Company, held at 
Hartford, June 2, 1773, adopted for the government of the settlement 
the following articles, in every aspect important : honourable to 
the pen that drew, and the people who accepted them. 

" 1. W/iereas, we the subscribers inhabitants of Connecticut in 
New England, in America, already settled, and about to settle on 
certain lands on the river Susquehanna in said Connecticut, by us 
and our associates sometime since purchased of the original natives, 
by, and with the consent of the said Colony of Connecticut. 

And whereas, the same lands are claimed to be within the juris- 
diction of the Province of Pennsylvania; and the Colony of Con- 
necticut choosing to proceed with caution and deliberation, have 
applied to counsel learned in the law, in Great Britain, for their 
advice, which at present the colony have not received, by reason 
whereof we have as yet no established civil authority residing among 
us in said settlement, in consequence of which deficiency, disorders 
may arise tending to disturb the peace and happiness of the settlers, 
as well as the peace of our Sovereign Lord — the king, which to 
remedy, we have this day come into the following heads, or articles 
of agreement, with each other. 

1st. We do solemnly profess and declare true and sincere allegi- 
ance to his Majesty, King George the Third, and that no foreign 
prince, person, prelate, state or potentate, hath, or ought to have any 
jurisdiction, power, or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual, within 
the realm of England. 

2d. We do solemnly promise and engage, that we will, so far as 
lieth in our power, behave ourselves peaceably, soberly and orderly 
towards each other, in particular, and the world in general, care- 
fully observing and obeying the laws of this colony, as binding and 
of force with us equally in all respects, as though we actually resided 
within any of the counties of this colony. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. I47 

3d. For the due enforcing such laws, as well as such other orders 
and regulations as shall, from time to time, be found necessary to be 
come into by said settlers and Company, we will immediately with- 
in each town, already settled, and immediately after the settlement 
of those that may be hereafter settled, choose three able and judi- 
cious men among such settlers, to take upon them, under the gene- 
ral direction of the Company, the direction of the settlement of each 
such town, and the well ordering and governing the same, to sup- 
press vice of every kind, preserve the peace of God and the King 
therein, to whom each inhabitant shall pay such, and the same sub- 
mission as is paid to the civil authority in the several towns in this 
colony ; such inhabitants shall also choose, in each of their respective 
towns, one person of trust to be their officer, who shall be vested with 
the same power and authority, as a constable, by the laws of this 
colony is, for preserving the peace and apprehending offenders of a 
criminal or civil nature. 

4th. The Directors in each town shall, on the first Monday of each 
month, and oftener, if need be, with such their peace officers, meet 
together, as well to consult for the good regulating thereof, as to hear 
and decide any differences that may arise, and to inflict proper fine 
or other punishment on offenders, according to the general laws and 
rules of this colony, so far as the peculiar situation and circum- 
stances of such town and plantation will admit of; and as the 
reformation of offenders is the principal object in view, always pre- 
ferring serious admonition and advice to them, and their making pub- 
lic satisfaction, by public acknowledgment of their fault, and doing 
such public service to the plantation, as the Directors shall judge 
meet, to fines in money, or corporal punishment, which, however, in 
extreme cases, such Directors shall inflict, as said laws direct. 

5th. The Directors of each individual town or plantation, shall, 
once every quarter, or three months, meet together to confer with 
each other on the state of each particular town in said settlement, 
and to come into such resolutions concerning them as they shall find 
for their best good, as also to hear the complaints of any that shall 
judge themselves aggrieved by the decision of their Directors in their 
several towns, who shall have right to appeal to such quarterly 
meeting. 

6th. No one convicted of sudden and violent breach of the peace, 
of swearing, drunkenness, stealing, gaming, fraud, idleness, and the 
like, before the Directors of the particular town in which he lives, 
shall have liberty of appeal to such quarterly meeting, from the sen- 



148 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

tence of such particular Directors, without first procuring good 
security, to the satisfaction of such Directors, for his orderly and 
sober behaviour until such meeting, and for his subuiitting to and 
complying with the sentence of such meeting. — No one, in matters of 
private property, shall have liberty of appeal from such particular 
Directors, to such quarterly general meeting of Directors, where the 
controversy is not more than twenty shillings. 

7th. Such quarterly meeting of Directors, shall appoint an officer, 
statedly, to attend them as their clerk, who shall carefully register 
their proceedings, also an officer in the character of general peace 
officer, or Sheriff', who also shall attend them, and to whom the inha- 
bitants of the whole settlement submit in the same manner as the 
inhabitants of any county within this colony, by law are obliged, to 
their respective High Sheriff". 

8th. All persons within such settlement accused of the high handed 
crimes of adultery, burglary, and the like, shall be arraigned before 
such quarterly meeting, and if convicted, shall be sentened to banish- 
ment from such settlement, and a confiscation of all their personal 
effects therein, to the use of the town, where such offence is com- 
mitted, and should there still be the more heinous crimes of mur- 
der committed, which God forbid, the offender shall be instantly 
arrested, and delivered into the hands of the nearest civil authority 
in Connecticut, and should any person or persons be accused of 
counterfeiting the bills or coins of any province on this continent, 
and be thereof convicted before such quarterly meeting, the colony 
whose bills are thus counterfeited, shall have liberty to take such 
offender and punish him, he shall be instantly banished the settle- 
ment, and his personal effects confiscated as aforesaid, and all per- 
sons convicted of any heinous crime, in any province on this conti- 
nent, and shall fly from justice, the inhabitants shall, as well direc- 
tors and peace officers, as others, aid and assist their pursuers in 
apprehending them, that they may be duly punished in the Govern- 
ment where they have offended. 

9th. No appeal shall be from the doings of such quarterly meeting, 
or their decrees, to the Susquehanna Company, in general, save 
where the property of land is disputed, in which case the appellant 
shall first secure the appellee for his costs, if he make not his appeal 
good before the Company. 

10th. The inhabitants of each town, to wit: — All the males of 
twenty-one years and upwards, and a proprietor in one of the said 
towns shall annually meet, on the first Monday in December, and 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 149 

choose Directors for such town, with their peace officers, and other 
officers that shall be found necessary for the ensuing year, and the 
Directors, etc., that now may be chosen, shall have authority until 
new are chosen, and no longer. 

11th. The Directors of each town shall make out and exhibit to 
their first quarterly meeting, a list in the rateable estate and polls of 
the inhabitants of each town, and such quarterly meeting shall have 
power to assess the inhabitants for defraying public expenses, as also 
to enforce the assessment made in each particular town, if need be. 

12th. The law regulating the militia of this colony, shall be parti- 
cularly attended to by the Directors of the respective towns, and 
the general regulation thereof, as the particular circumstances of the 
people require, shall be in the power of such general quarterly 
meeting. 

Also, we do solemnly declare these and such other regulations as 
we shall hereafter come into, by and with the advice and consent of 
the Susquehanna Company, in full meeting assembled, to be of force 
and binding on us, and on each of us, our heirs and assigns, until the 
colony of Connecticut shall annex us to some one of the counties of 
this colony, or make us a distinct county, or we obtain from the 
said colony, or from his Gracious Majesty, King George the Third, 
whose true and loyal subjects we are, powers of Government in some 
more permanent method. 

And lastly, it is further agreed and voted, that the Directors in 
each of the several towns now settled, and that shall be settled, shall 
forthwith procure a copy of the foregoing agreements, which shall be 
entered at large in a book for that purpose, and all the male inhabit- 
ants of the age of twenty-one years, shall, personally, subscribe the 
same with their own proper names, or mark, and strictly abide by 
and fulfil the same ; and such inhabitants or settlers as are already 
come into, to settle, or shall hereafter appear to come in as settlers, 
as shall neglect, or refuse to subscribe to and abide by the foregoing 
agreements shall not continue there, nor be admitted as settlers on 
said lands. 

Voted, that the following persons be, and they are hereby ap- 
pointed Directors in the several towns hereafter mentioned, until 
the first Monday in December next, with the powers and authority 
according to the foregoing agreement. 

To wit : — For the town of Wilkesbarre, — Maj. John Durkee, Capt. 
Zebulon Butler, and Obadiah Gore, Jr. 

For the town of Plymouth, — Phineas Nash, Capt. David Marvin, 
and J. Gaylord. 



150 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

In New Providence, — Isaac Tripp, Esq., Timothy Keys, and 
Gideon Baldwin. 

For the town of Kingston, — Capt. Obadiah Gore, Nathan Denison, 
and Parshall Terry. 

For the town of Pittston, — Caleb Bates, James Brown, and Lem- 
uel Harding. 

For the town of Hanover, — Capt. Lazarus Stewart, Wm. Stewart, 
and John Franklin. 

Having given a brief picture of the Valley, and recorded the 
building of mills — settling a gospel minister — establishing schools — 
the first wedding — birth, and natural death: having given the early 
Constitution or Code of Laws, adopted, medical gentlemen may 
expect the result of our researches in respect to members of their 
profession. Dr. William Hooker Smith, justly eminent and highly 
successful, emigrated to the valley, in 1772 ; and his valuable services 
were continued through the revolutionary war ; indeed, until very 
advanced age released him from active labour. But there came from 
New London, in 1773, a noted surgeon, whom many of the people 
desired to establish among them. A paper, drawn up by Henry 
Carey, (and it is a very neat piece of penmanship,) for subscription, 
proposes to " pay Dr. John Caulkins, in case he should settle among 
us in the quality of a physician," (the sums to be annexed,) " the 
money to be laid out in land for his benefit and use," etc. Among 
the names subscribed are, Anderson Dana, £2 8 ; James Stark, 
£1 4 etc., and other less sums. The issue of the negotiation, I have 
not been able to ascertain. 

The most important exterior event that occurred, affecting the 
interests of Wyoming, during these two years, was an official move- 
ment on the part of the Government of Connecticut, asserting her 
Charter claim west of the Delaware. The progress of the new set- 
tlement had been watched with intense interest. As peace reigned 
and prosperity abounded: as the settlers had shown themselves com- 
petent to defend themselves, and their foot-hold seemed permanently 
established, it was deemed a fitting time for making a declaration of 
right, and opening a negotiation with the Proprietary Government, 
in respect to the disputed territory. 

At the session of the General Assembly, in October, 1773, a Reso- 
lution was adopted, " That the Colony would make their claim to 
those lands ; and in a legal manner support the same." 

It was also Resolved, That Commissioners should be appointed 
to proceed to Philadelphia, to negotiate a mode of bringing the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 151 

controversy to an amicable conclusion. Col. Eliphalet Dyer, T)r. 
Johnson, and J. Strong, Esq., were duly empowered, and about the 
middle of December, opened the matter, by presenting their creden- 
tials, and a letter from His Excellency, Gov. Trumbull to Gov. Penn. 
The notes, letters, replies and rejoinders, go so much into details in 
respect to title, repeating what, in substance, we have before fully 
stated, that a publication of them in extenso, in the body of this 
work, is regarded as unnecessary. A statement of the points made 
may, however, prove acceptable. On the part of Connecticut it was 
proposed, That Commissioners be mutually appointed to run the 
respective lines, and ascertain the extent of conflicting Charter 
claims. 

The Governor and Council, on behalf of Pennsylvania, denying any 
right of Connecticut, west of New York, declined to accede to the 
proposition. 

It was next proposed, in accordance with the Act of Assembly, 
" To join in an application to his Majesty to appoint Commissioners," 
to ascertain the rightful boundaries of the contesting colonies. 

To this, Governor Penn and the Council replied, by decisively 
declining the proposition, but suggests that Connecticut should make 
separate application to his Majesty. 

A third proposition was then made by the Connecticut Agents : — 
That Pennsylvania should continue to exercise jurisdiction over the 
West Branch, where her authority already extended, and Connecti- 
cut should extend her laws over Wyoming, and that part of the set- 
tlement which was not under the laws of Pennsylvania, so long as 
the dispute continued with the mother country, and until a decision 
by his Majesty, in Council, or some other amicable way might be 
obtained. 

A negative, as decided, was given to the last, as to the two former 
propositions, and"Messrs. Dyer, Johnson, and Strong, returned to 
Connecticut. 

Throughout the proceedings, the greatest urbanity and mutual 
respect were manifested. Much ability was displayed on both 
sides; and the Connecticut Commissioners effected all that they 
could have expected when they opened the negotiation. An earnest 
appeal had been made to accommodate the unhappy differences by 
amicable means — a mutual commission — a reference to his Ma- 
jesty — a division of jurisdiction, until a peaceable settlement could 
be made ! What more fair could be offered? The moral influences 



152 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

at home and abroad, could not fail to prove of powerful aid to the 
offering, against the rejecting party. 

Gov. Penn communicated the whole proceedings to the Assembly, 
whose answer on the occasion, though decided, is so mild, that it 
shows the favorable impression the Connecticut Delegates, per- 
sonally, had made in Philadelphia. 

" To prevent the mischievous effects of this unkind and unneigh- 
borly disposition in the Government of Connecticut, we beg leave 
earnestly to request that you will pursue every effectual measure to 
call the claimants before his Majesty, in Council, and to bring their 
claim to an immediate decision." 

The important proceedings of the Connecticut Assembly, on 
receiving the report of their Agents, commencing a new year, will 
be noticed in the following letter. 



LETTEE XIII. 



1774. — Connecticut assumes jurisdiction— town of Westmoreland— Town meeting— Dis- 
tricts— election of one hundred officers — Town signpost established — Several town meet- 
ings — Civil and military organization — Representatives to Assembly — School committee — 
Insidious attacks — Alarm — meeting of Proprietors— Proceeding — Sales and price of lands 
— Census. 



Two years of repose presented no event for the record of the his- 
torian's pen more exciting than the ordinary occurrences of peace 
and domestic prosperity. The succeeding year, 1774, though equally 
peaceful and prosperous, yet assumes in our annals an increased in- 
terest. It was the year, more than any other, in the memory of the 
ancient people, of unalloyed joy and gladness, even surpassing the 
two by which it was preceded. On the report of Messrs. Dyer, 
Johnson and Strong, the General Assembly of Connecticut adopted 
decisive measures to bring the settlement on the Susquehanna under 
her immediate jurisdiction. An act was passed early in January, 
erecting all the territory within her charter limits, from the river 
Delaware to a line fifteen miles west of the Susquehanna, into a 
town, with all the corporate powers of other towns in the colony, 
to be called Westmoreland, attaching it to the county of Litchfield. 
This most desirable event was hailed by the people with unbounded 
satisfaction. Venerating the law, they now felt that it pervaded the 
settlement with a holier sanction than their own mere agreement, 
or the resolutions of the Susquehanna Company, could impart. To 
all intents and purposes, in name as well as in fact, a portion of the 
ancient high standing Colony of Connecticut, eminent for order, 
learning and piety, the character of the parent was now felt to be 
officially imparted to this, her true, though distant offspring More- 
over, the distinct legalization of what had before been done, and the 
pledge of protection for the future, implied in the extension of her 
laws to the settlement, were regarded as points attained of great 
importance. A sense of security existed, a feeling of confidence en- 



154 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

sued, which gave force to contracts, encouraged industry, and stimu- 
lated enterprise. 

In accordance with the Act of Assembly, Governor Turnbull 
issued his proclamation, forbidding any settlement within the limits 
of Westmoreland, except under the authority of Connecticut. Near 
the same time a proclamation from the Governor of Pennsylvania, 
prohibited any settlement on the contested claims, under pretended 
grants from Connecticut, or any other than the authority of the Pro- 
prietaries. 

Proper measures had been adopted for the introduction of the 
laws and usages of the Civil Government of Connecticut. Zebulon 
Butler and Nathan Denison were commissioned Justices of the 
Peace, with directions to call a town meeting of the Freemen of 
Westmoreland, with a view to a perfect organization, and for the 
purpose of choosing town officers for the ensuing year. These gen- 
tlemen have been before noticed. Nature never formed two excel- 
lent men, in more distinct contrast. Butler, polished in manner, 
quick in perception, vehement and rapid in execution ; Denison, 
plain, though courteous, slow to speak, as careful to consider, cool 
and firm, if not alert in action. Both universal favorites, we again 
advert to their characters because they were the two great and 
acknowledged leaders in Westmoreland. 

The organization being now somewhat complicated, the reader 
will please to observe the difference between a town and a township. 
The town of Westmoreland legally incorporated for civil purposes, 
was about seventy miles square, and could only be established by 
supreme Legislative authority. Within this limit a number of town- 
ships of five or six miles square, were laid off by the Delaware and 
Susquehanna Companies, divided into lots, which were drawn for 
by Proprietors, or sold. These townships had power to make need- 
ful rules and bye-laws for their interior regulation, the establishment 
of roads, the care or disposal of vacant lots, and other matters en- 
tirely local. Of these there already existed Wilkesbarre, Hanover, 
Plymouth, Kingston, or the Forty, Exeter, Pittston, and Capouse, or 
Providence; more were from time to time added. A town meeting 
therefore, noio, when *' legally warned," called together all the 
Freemen, in all the townships or settlements, from the Delaware to 
fifteen miles beyond the Susquehanna, and from the Lehigh, north 
to Tioga Point. 

The first town meeting : — But we are sure the curious reader will 
be pleased to hear the old records, page first, speak for themselves; 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 155 

the more especially as they will exhibit the general organization of 
towns in Connecticut, the number and kind of officers chosen, and 
show the pure Democracy that prevailed in their system of Govern- 
ment. At that time the Assembly met twice a year. Delegates 
held their commissions only six months, so cautious were the people 
of intrusting power. Each town elected one or two members, ac- 
cording to their population. 

Before we proceed to copy the votes, it may be proper to say — that 
every town in the colony kept, and we presume still keeps, a regular 
record of its elections, orders, votes, etc. While most of the valuable 
papers in the settlement were destroyed, by singular good fortune 
the volume of Westmoreland Records was saved, and is in a state of 
excellent preservation. The neat manner in which they were kept, 
the generally fine, liberal and patriotic spirit they breathe, reflect the 
highest honour on the ancient people. Bearing the " image and 
superscription" of the fathers ol Wyoming, we shall quote them 
freely, both as curious from their antiquity, and interesting as re- 
flecting the impress of those whose history our labours record. 

" At a town meeting legally warned and held for Westmore- 
land, March ye 1st, 1774, for choosing town officers, etc., Zebulon 
Butler, Esq., was chosen moderator for the work of the day. Major 
Ezekiel Pierce was chosen town clerk. 

" March ye 1st. Voted that this meeting is adjourned until to- 
morrow morning at this place, at eight of the clock, in ye forenoon. 

" March ye 2d, 1774, this meeting is opened and held by ad- 
journment. Voted, that ye town of Westmoreland be divided in the 
following manner into districts — that is to say, that ye town of 
Wilkesbarre, be one entire district, and known by the name of 
Wilkesbarre district: And that ye town of Hanover, and all the land 
south of Wilkesbarre, and west on Susquehanna river, and east on 
the Lehigh, be one district, by ye name of Hanover district. And 
that Plymouth, with all ye land west of Susquehanna river, south 
and west to the town line, be one district, by ye name of Plymouth 
district : and that Kingston, with ye land west to ye town line, be 
one district, by ye name of Kingston district : and that Pittston be 
one district, by ye name of Pittston district : and that Exeter, Pro- 
vidence, and all the lands west and north to ye town line, be one dis- 
trict, by ye name of ye North District : and that Lackaway settle- 
ment and Blooming Grove, and Sheolah, to be one district, and to 
be called by ye name of ye Lackaway district : and that Coshutunk, 



156 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

and all ye settlements on Delaware, be one district, and joined to ye 
other districts, and known by ye name of ye east district. 

SELECT MEN. 

" Christopher Avery, Nathaniel Landon, Samuel Ransom, Isaac 
Tripp, Esq., Caleb Bates, Lazarus Stewart, Silas Parke, were chosen 
Selectmen, for ye year ensuing. Isaac Tripp, Esq., refused to accept. 
John Jenkins was chosen Selectman in ye room of Esq. Tripp. 

" Captain Stewart refused to accept. Rosewell Franklin was cho- 
sen Selectman in ye room of Captain Stewart. 

TOWN TREASURER. 

" Zebulon Butler, Esq., was chosen Town Treasurer. 

CONSTABLES AND COLLECTORS OP RATES. 

" Asa Stevens, Timothy Smith,* Jonathan Haskel, Asaph Whittle- 
sy, Noah Adams, Phineas Clark, William Smith, were chosen Con- 
stables and Collectors of Rates. 

SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS. 

" Anderson Dana, Daniel Gore, Elisha Swift, Thomas Stoddart, 
Thomas Bennet, Perrin Ross, Rufus Lawrence, Samuel Ransom, 
Jonathan Parker, Isaac Baldwin, Zavan Tracy, Elijah Witter, John 
Ainsley, William Hibbard, James Lastley, John Dewit, John Jen- 
kins, jr., Aaron Thomas, Anthony Chimer, Abraham Russ, Benjamin 
Vancampin, Benjamin Harvey, were chosen Surveyors of Highways. 

FENCE VIEWERS. 

" John Abbott, William Warner, Ezekiel Pierce, William Buck, 
Nathan Denison, Esq., Thomas Stoddart, Frederick Eveland, John 
Baker, Charles Gaylord, Samuel Slaughter, Abraham Harding, 
Captain Parrish, John Jamison, John Gardner, were chosen Fence 
Viewers, for ye year ensuing. 

LISTERS. 

" Anderson Dana, Daniel Gore, Elisha Swift, Eliphalet Follet, 
Perrin Ross, Nathan Wade, Jeremiah Blanchard, Zavan Tracy, 
Uriah Chaj3man, Gideon Baldwin, Silas Gore, Moses Thomas, Ema- 
nuel Consawler, John Jenkins and Phineas Clark, were chosen Lis- 
ters, for ye year ensuing. 

* This gentleman was sportively called "old-head," because of the ability displayed in 
inducing Connecticut to establish the town of Westmoreland. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. I57 

LEATHER SEALERS. 

" Elisha Swift, Ebenezer Hibbard, and Captain Silas Parke, were 
chosen Leather Sealers ye year ensuing. 

/ GRAND JURORS. 

" Jabez Sills, James Stark, William Buck, Elias Church, Phineas 
Nash, Thomas Heath, Barnabas Gary, Lemuel Harding, Hezekiah 
Bingham, John Franklin, Timothy Keys, were chosen Grand Jurors 
ye year ensuing. 

TYTIIING MEN. 

" Philip Weeks, Elihu Williams, Luke Swetland, Justice Gaylord, 
James Brown, Isaac Parrish, Timothy Hopkins, were chosen Ty- 
thing men. 

SEALERS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

" Jabez Sills, Captain Obadiah Gore, Captain Silas Parke, Captain 
Lazarus Stewart, were chosen Sealers of Weights and Measures. 

KEY-KEEPERS. 

" Daniel Gore, Jabez Fish, Timothy Pierce, Uriah Stevens, Thomas 
Heath, Jeremiah Blanchard, Jonathan Haskel, Zipron Hibbard, were 
chosen Key Keepers." Thus was the town organized by the desig- 
nation of one hundred officers. 

April 11 and 12, the second town meeting in Westmoreland was 
held. Two hundred and six persons took the freeman's oath, as 
required by law. A tax was laid of one penny in the pound, 
" to purchase ammunition for the town's use, and other necessaries." 
Application to the Assembly was directed for a Court of Probate, 
and the establishment of a Regiment. Pounds already built, were 
pronounced lawful pounds. Roads heretofore established, were de- 
clared lawful highways, on which taxes might be laid out. 

" Voted— That for ye present, ye tree that now stands northerly 
from Captain Butler's house, shall be ye Town Sign Post." 

This matter of the legal sign post, is of weightier import than, 
without explanation, might be imagined. Newspapers in those days 
were little known, save in the larger cities. It had therefore been 
enacted, that a sign post be established in each town, on which notices 
of public meetings, public sales, stray animals taken up, etc., should 
be nailed or placed, to render them legal. It is proper to add, 
that, as an accompaniment of the sign post, which was also the 
legal whipping post, a pair of stocks was provided for a punishment 
of the guilty, and a warning to deter from crime. These (now 
abjured) monuments of civilization and law, were derived from 



158 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

England, and brought over, nay, almost venerated by our Puritan 
fathers. The ancient pillory and wooden horse, first disappeared, 
the whipping post and stocks soon followed,* 

A third town meeting was holden April 28, 1774. 

" Captain Butler was chosen Moderator, for ye work of ye day. 

Voted that Captain Zebulon Butler, Captain Timothy Smith, Mr. 
Christopher Avery, and Mr. John Jenkins, be appointed agents in 
behalf of this company of settlers, to attend the meeting of the Gene- 
ral Assembly, to be holden at Hartford in May next, etc." 

The same gentlemen were also appointed as agents to the Sus- 
quehanna Company, which was to assemble at Hartford, on the 24th 
of May. 

It is presumed that, at this time the number of the members of 
Assembly Westmoreland would be entitled to, had not been desig- 
nated. Thereafter two were, or might be elected for each session, 
durincy the continuance of the jurisdiction of Connecticut. 

The John Jenkins named, was the elder, and father of Colonel 
John Jenkins, both distinguished patriots, who will appear fre- 
quently and honorably on our pages. 

The fourth town meeting was held June 27, Zebulon Butler Mode- 
rator. Votes were passed " to form themselves into companies in 
a military way." Each district in Westmoreland to be a company. 
And Zebulon Butler, Esq., Major Ezekiel Pierce, and Mr. John 
Jenkins were appointed as a committee to repair to the several dis- 
tricts, and lead each company to a choice of officers, etc. 

On the 30th of September, a fifth town meeting was held. Captain 
S. Fuller, moderator. 

Captain Butler, and Mr. Joseph Sluman, were chosen represen- 
tatives to the next Assembly, and these were the first persons ad- 
mitted to the full participation of the rights of members, not as dele- 
gates from territories, having a power to debate, but not a right 

♦ The reatler of Hudibras will recollect that he several times became intimately acquainted 
with those instruments of punishment, or persuasives to repentance, for his lady finds him 
sitting in a posture which occasions her thus to address the knight : — 

" Q,uoth she, I grieve to see your leg 
Stuck in a hole here Uke a peg, 
And if I knew which way to do't 
(Your honour safe) I'd let you out." 

This mode of punishment is rendered classical by its extreme antiquity. Willis, in his 
cbarmincf " Pencillings by the Way," describing the ruins of Pompeii, says, " on the right 
were several small prisons, in one of which was found the skeleton of a man, with his feet in 
iron stocks." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 159 

ing 

to vote ; but voting on all questions that arose, uniting in mak 

laws for the rest of the colony, as the other members made laws 
for Westmoreland, and from henceforth, Wyoming, or Westmore- 
land, (we shall use the terms as synonimous) was in all respects a 
part of Connecticut, as much so as Stonington, or Saybrook, Hart- 
ford, or New Haven. 

The name of Joseph Sluman, occurs frequently in the old records. 
I'Vom his being often named on committees, and several times chosen 
member of Assembly, it would appear that he was trusted and 
honoured ; but we cannot learn whence he came, what was his 
fate, or whether he left any family in Wyoming. It is most probable 
that his generous spirit led him into the thickest of the terrible 
conflict, that afterwards overwhelmed the Valley, and that fortune, 
life, and all remembrance of him were extinguished together. 

The sixth town meeting in that year was held on the 17th of 
October. 

Voted — That Lieut. Elijah Shoemaker, Mr. Solomon Johnson, Mr. 
John Jenkins, Captain Timothy Smith, and Mr. Douglass Davidson, 
be a committee to meet such gentlemen, as shall be appointed at or 
near Delaware, " to mark out a road from that river to the Sus- 
quehanna." Up to this time therefore, we may assert that no road 
existed from any part of the inhabited country to Wyoming. Bridle 
paths were the only avenues to the Valley, except that by the 
Susquehanna river, on which boats brought from below, at great 
cost, heavy articles of indispensable necessity. 

The seventh town meeting was held November 22, from which, 
in a page or two, we shall copy some interesting votes. 

The eighth and last town meeting called during 1774, was held 
the 6th of December, at which, among a variety of other things, it 
was 

" Voted — That Elisha Richards, Captain Ransom, Perriu Ross, 
Nathaniel Landon, Elisha Swift, Nathan Denison, Esq., Stephen 
Harding, John Jenkins, Anderson Dana, Obadiah Gore, jr., James 
Stark, Rosewell Franklin, Captain Stewart, Captain Parkes, and 
Uriah Chapman, were chosen School Committee, for the ensuing 
year. 

It may be justly regarded equally honorable and extraordinary, 
that a people just commencing a settlement in a wilderness, wrestling 
with the yet rude and unbroken soil for bread, surrounded by so 
many extrinsic difficulties and causes of alarm, should be found so 
zealously adopting, and so steadily pursuing, measures to provide 



160 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

free schools throughout the settlement, and establish the preaching 
of the gospel. 

The reader must have been amused by observing the great number 
of town meetings held this year. Human nature is illustrated by 
the review. After a long period of contest and suffering, nov^', for 
the first time, the lawful power existed to hold a " legally warned" 
meeting, and to give efficient votes. It was a new thing ! What 
a pleasure ! But where was the pleasure unless the right should be 
exercised. As the woodsman, when he has obtained the long wished- 
for rifle, is not satisfied till he has tried it again and again. Happy 
people ! Every tint of brilliant morn or blushing eve, was to your 
delighted view a ray of hope and joy.* 

Over the three years that had just passed, scarce a cloud had 
arisen to interrupt the cheering sunshine. But just towards the 
close of 1774, a policy began to develope itself, which occasioned 
no inconsiderable alarm and trouble. Persons came in as settlers, 
bought a Connecticut title to a lot, became regular inhabitants, and 
then avowed — That they did this from policy — that they considered 
the Connecticut claim, in fact, good for nothing, and held a better 
lying under that, which they had bought elsewhere. Pennsylvania 
surveyors were found, more or less openly, to be making surveys in 
various parts of Westmoreland, and some of the sagacious men began 
to speak doubtingly, for they saw breakers ahead. 

To extirpate the evil before it should take deep root, the obvious 
policy led to prompt action. 

" At a meeting of ye Proprietors and settlers, legally warned, and 
held in Wilkesbarre district, in Westmoreland, November 22nd, A. D. 
1774 — Zebulon Butler, Esq., was chosen moderator for ye work of 
ye day. Yoted, that August Hunt, and Frederick Vanderlip, now 
residing on the Susquehanna purchase, being men that have, and 
now do so conduct themselves by spreading reports about ye town 
of ¥/estmoreland, much to ye disturbance of ye good and wholesome 



*The state of pleasurable excitement of this period, as represented by the old people, with 
whom I have conversed, tinges the whole with romance. Contrasted with the ills that 
awaited them, the lines of Gray often occur to my mind : — 

" Fair laughs the morn, and soft the zephyr blows, 
While proudly riding o'er the azure realm 

In gallant trim the gilded vessel goes. 
Youth on the prow, and pleasure at the helm; 

Regardless of the sweeping whirlwind's sway. 
That, hushed in grim repose, expects his evening prey." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 161 

inhabitants of this town, and by their taking up and holding land 
under ye pretension of ye title of Pennsylvania, contrary to ye 
proclamation of ye Governor of this colony, and contrary to ye votes 
of ye Susquehanna Company, etc. It is now voted that ye said 
Hunt be expelled this purchase, and he be, as soon as may be, remov- 
ed out of ye purchase and out of ye town of Westmoreland, by ye 
committee hereafter appointed, at ye cost of this Company, in such 
way as ye committee shall think proper. 

" Voted, — That Capt. Stephen Fuller, Capt. Robert Durkee, Asa- 
hel Buck, Nathan Denison, Esq., Capt. Samuel Ransom, John Paine, 
Abraham Harding, Rosewell Franklin, John Jenkins, Jr., be a com- 
mittee to make inquiry into, and search after all persons that are 
suspected to have been taking land under the title of Pennsylvania, 
etc., and that they have full power to expel any person or persons from 
this purchase and town, whom they or ye major part of them judge 
unwholesome inhabitants, on account of their taking land under ye 
title of Pennsylvania, and their conducting contrary to ye proclama- 
tion of ye Governor of ye Colony of Connecticut, and ye votes of ye 
Susquehanna Company, etc., and also remove them at such time and 
in such way as they shall think proper, out of this town and pur- 
chase, and that they be empowered by this company to call on the 
Treasurer for any of ye bonds in his hands that belong to this com- 
pany, and put ye same in suit against any of ye persons who are 
indebted to this company, and are going out of town, or are spending 
their estate, etc., and that they collect ye same, or get good security of 
such other persons who are good able landholders in this town, and that 
they lodge ye same in ye hands of said Treasurer, as soon as they have 
obtained it, etc., and that they do ye same at ye cost of this company, 
if needful, and that they take ye most effectual method to prevent such 
great numbers of persons of evil name and fame, from going up and 
down this river under the pretence of laying out locations," etc. 

The nine gentlemen named on the committee, embraced, as right- 
ly it should in matters so delicate and important, one of the leading 
men from each township, or district. While the Pennsylvania party 
loudly censured this act of expulsion, as a high handed outrage, it 
was justified by the Yankees as a measure indispensable to self- 
preservation. But this game of settling real Pennsylvania claimants, 
on Connecticut rights, which could be purchased cheap, was too 
good to be abandoned. One or more gentlemen of character and 
intelligence, cautious and prudent, had been on the ground from an 
early day. The name of David Meade, is signed, in fair round 
11 



162 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

hand, to a call of a meeting of Proprietors in Wilkesbarre, in 1770. 
When we say that the fine town of Meadville, the seat of justice in 
Crawford county, was established by him, soon after being expelled 
by the Yankees from Wyoming, the introduction of his name will 
be sufficient to awaken interest to his future course. 

Having spoken of the facility with which lands could be obtained, 
from the lowness of price, at Wyoming, before closing this letter, 
I will state briefly the sums paid for certain lots in Wilkesbarre, in 
the year 1772-3, no later records of deeds, before the war, having 
rewarded my research. 

" In the twelfth year of the reign of our sovereign lord, George ye 
Third, king, etc." July 6, 1772, Silas Gore sells to Jonathan Sto- 
well of Ashford, Connecticut, for the consideration of twenty pounds, 
lawful money, one whole settling right in the township of Wilkes- 
barre, said right contains — the home or house lot, No. 28, the 
meadow lot, No. 50 — and the third division, or back lot, No. 44, as 
by the drafts of the said town may appear, together with all the 
alter divisions which may be made, etc." 

"August 21, 1772. Asa Stephens sells to Enoch Judd, for the 
consideration of forty-three pounds, lawful money, ($143 34) one set- 
ling right in the township of Wilkesbarre, being meadow lot No. 20, 
house lot No. 27, and back, or great lot, No. 8, together with all the 
other divisions yet to be made. 

"Elijah Loomis, of Harrington, in the county of Litchfield, sells to 
Eiisha Swift, a whole right in Wilkesbarre, being town lot No. 2, 
meadow lot (about 33 acres) No. 28, back lot No. 36, for one hundred 
pounds, on the 22d of February, in the 13th year of the reign of our 
sovereign lord George the Third, king," etc. It was wise policy in 
the Susquehanna people to be particular in their deeds of conveyance 
to repeat "our sovereign lord George the King," — for it was contem- 
plated to refer the dispute to his majesty, and he could not fail to be 
conciliated by this evidence of devotion. 

One more instance will close our present reference to prices. The 
burying ground lot, of near four acres, was bought, in 1772, for 
£9 10, or $31 67. At simple interest to 1842, seventy years, the 
amount would be, principal, $31 67, interest, $133; added, $164 67. 
Allow the sum to double every sixteen years, then in 1788, it would 
have cost $63 34— in 1804, it would have cost $126 68— in 1820, it 
would have cost $253 36— in 1836, it would have cost $506 72— add 
six years interest, up to 1842, $182 42, to the principal, gives $689 13. 
Allowing the rent of the land to have paid taxes, how would stand 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 163 

the investment ? The corresponding town lot, on the opposite side 
of the street, would bring five times that sum. Several of the town 
lots would sell for ten times that amount; and many, independent of 
the buildings erected on them, would bring twenty times that sum. 
In a subsequent letter, the rise in prices of lands will be more par- 
ticularly noted. We have indulged in this prospective speculation, 
to amuse the curious reader, who may trace our labours ; and be- 
cause the subject pressed strongly on the mind — that investments, 
judiciously made in lands, besides being safer than stocks, are far 
from being unprofitable. A census, taken this year, shows that 
Westmoreland contained 1922 inhabitants. 
But the stirring events of 1775 demand our attention. 



LETTER XIY, 



1775. Prosperity — Revolutionary War — Town Meeting — Patriotic Resolutions — Settle- 
ment on West Branch — Charleston and Judea destroyed hy Col. Plunket — Vote of Con- 
gress ; of Connecticut Council — of Pennsylvania Assembly — Plunket's invasion of Wyo- 
ming — Stirring Scenes — Interposition of Congress — Civil War — Col. Butler — Formida- 
ble Breastwork — Battle — Defeat of Plunket — Painful Incident — Connecticut prohibits fur- 
ther Emigration — Town Meeting — Rivalry between Kingston and Wilkesbarre — Amuse- 
ments — Prices of Grain. 



Three years of tranquil enjoyment had increased the number of set- 
tlers at Wyoming, while unremitted industry upon a prolific soil, 
had diffused throughout the valley most of the necessaries, many of 
the conveniences, and some of the luxuries of life. Abundant food 
and clothing were enjoyed in every cottage. Numerous herds of 
cattle grazed upon the mountains. Hill and meadow were spotted 
with flocks of sheep. The flats, nearly cleared, yielded thirty and 
forty fold the seed that was sown. School-houses were erected in 
every district. The Sabbath was kept with Puritan strictness. 
Congregated in convenient places, the people listened to sermons 
from their gospel ministers. Prayer ascended to the Most High for 
grace in spiritual matters, and his protection in their secular con- 
cerns ; while 

" They chant their artless notes in simple guise ; 

They tune their hearts, by far the noblest aim : 
Perhaps Dundee's wild warbling measures rise, 

Or plaintive Murlyrs, worthy of the name.'' 

Such was the picture presented by Wyoming at the commence- 
ment of 1775. At the Spring election, John Jenkins, Esq., (the 
elder,) was elected member of iVssembly, to be holden at Hartford, in 
May. The dispute between Great Britain and the colonies, now 
approaching to an open rupture, had already effected a sensible, 
and so far, not unfavorable influence on the settlement, as, by occu- 
pying the attention of the Proprietary Government with more im- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 1^5 

portant affairs, the Connecticut people had been left undisturbed to 
extend and establish their possessions. The battle at Lexington had 
taken place April 19th. On the 17th of June, the battle of 
Bunker's Hill was fought, so glorious to the American arms. The 
effect produced at Wyoming, by those soul-stirring events, will 
be best expressed by the simple record of a " town meeting legally 
warned." 

"At a meeting of ye Proprietors and settlers of ye town of West- 
moreland, legally warned and held in Westmoreland, August 1st, 
1775, Mr. John Jenkins was chosen Moderator for ye work of ye 
day. Voted that this town does now vote that they will strictly 
observe and follow ye rules and regulations of ye Honorable Conti- 
nental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia. 

" Resolved by this town, that they are willing to make any accom- 
modations with ye Pennsylvania party that shall conduce to ye best 
good of ye whole, not infringing on the property of any person, and 
come in common cause of Liberty in ye defence of America, and 
that we will amicably give them ye offer of joining in ye proposals 
as soon as may be. 

" Voted — This meeting is adjourned until Tuesday ye 8th day of 
this instant, August, at one of the clock in ye afternoon at this 
place." 

" This meeting is opened and held by an adjournment August the 
8th, 1775. 

*' Voted — as this town has but of late been incorporated and 
invested with the privileges of the law, both civil and military, and 
now in a capacity of acting in conjunction with our neighboring 
towns within this and the other colonies, in opposing ye late mea- 
sures adopted by Parliament to enslave America. — Also this town 
having taken into consideration the late plan adopted by Parliament 
of enforcing their several oppressive and unconstitutional acts, of de- 
priving us of our property, and of binding us in all cases without 
exception, whether we consent or not, is considered by us highly 
injurious to American or English freedom ; therefore do consent to 
and acquiesce in the late proceedings and advice of the Continental 
Congress, and do rejoice that those measures are adopted, and so 
universally received throughout the Continent ; and in conformity to 
the eleventh article of the association, we do now appoint a Commit- 
tee to attentively observe the conduct of all persons within this 
town, touching the rules and regulations prescribed by the Honorable 



166 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Continental Congress, and will unanimously join our brethren in 

AMERICA IN THE COMMON CAUSE OP DEFENDING OUR LIBERTY. 

" Voted — That Mr. John Jenkins, Joseph Sluman, Esq., Nathan 
Denison, Esq., Mr. Obadiah Gore, Jr., and Lieut. William Buck, be 
chosen a Committee of Correspondence for the town of Westmore- 
land," etc. 

While all the votes of that meeting, breathe a spirit of patriotism, 
the notice of the reader cannot fail to be attracted to the second 
Resolve, offering the olive-branch to the Pennsylvania party, and 
proposing a truce of their private and local quarrels — that all hearts 
and all hands might be united in the general defence of liberty. 
Politic, as it was apparently patriotic and fair, both parties well 
knew, that time gained was greatly important to consolidate the 
strength of the settlement. 

In no part of the thirteen colonies, neither in Massachusetts nor 
Connecticut, was there more lively zeal, or more perfect unanimity, 
in behalf of Independence, than among the settlers under the Con- 
necticut Claim upon the Susquehanna and Delaware purchases. 
Among those who had taken the Freeman's Oath, previous to the 
above resolutions, there proved to be but one solitary tory. It was 
charged by the Connecticut people, that the interlopers, the transient 
persons, sent by the Pennsylvania landholders, to assume the mask 
of Connecticut settlers, were tories. To what extent this charge 
may have been true, we have now no means of forming an accurate 
opinion ; but justice obliges us to say, in some instances that odious 
epithet was applied to such intruders, and assigned as a reason for 
expelling them from the settlement. 

In a distribution of lots, two years previous, mention was made of 
the settlement at Muncy, on the west branch of the Susquehanna. 
Two townships had been surveyed including those inviting plains, 
so early as 1771. One was named Charleston, the other Judea. 
We are not able to designate the actual settlers, but the following is 
a list of the Proprietors of the former, embracing names of some of 
the most respectable families in Connecticut. 

A List of the Proprietors of the Township of Charleston, in the 
Susquehanna Purchase, on the West Branch, June 1772. 

Joseph Green, Nathaniel Green, 

Jonathan Root, Daniel Foot, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING 



167 



David Bigelow, 
David Carver, 
Joseph Warters, 
Capt. Tlios. Loomis, 
John Clemsted, 
Amos Wells, 
James Wells, 
John Bigelow, Jr., 
Jonah Porter, 
Capt. William Clark, 
William Swetland, 
Eunice White, 
Benj. Kibben, 
Thomas Heath, 
William Buck, 



Jonathan Harris' heirs, 
Sam'l Fitch, "^ 
William Martin, 
John Kellog, 
Israel Kellog, 
Charles Foot, 
Samuel Carver, 
Capt. Ebenezer Leech, 
Dr. John Crocker, 
Daniel Kellog, 
David Barber, Esq., 
Nathaniel Clark, 
Charles Dewey, 
John Hastings, 
Edward Lester. 



We also subjoin a List of Proprietors in Judea. 



" A List of the Proprietors of the 
lows : — 

Increase Mosely, Esq., 
John Leavensworth, 
Ensign Caleb Wheeler, 
Lieut. Peter Guernsey, 
Samuel Jackson, 
James Morris, 
Samuel Slater, 
Benjamin Hungerford, 
James Hannah, 
James Kasson, 
Jonathan Smith, 
James Frisbie, 
Return Strong, 
Capt. Nathan Hurd, Jr., 
Josiah Brownson, 
John Gordon, 



Township of Judea, is as fol- 

Asahel Hooker, 
Joseph Easton, 
Elijah Atwood, 
Joseph Waugh, 
Hezekiah Hooker, 
Capt. Abner Mallory, 
Titus Barnes, 
Thomas Porter, 
Josiah Averit, 
Jesse Weeks, 
Thomas Walsworth, 
Deliverance Spalding, 
William Choate, 
Aholiab Buck, 
Capt. Obadiah Gore. 



It will be remembered that the General Assembly of Connecticut 
had not included this settlement in the limits of Westmoreland, the 
west line of that town extending only fifteen miles beyond the North 
Branch, not, therefore, reaching within twenty or thirty miles of 



168 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Muncy.* A comparatively small settlement, and unsupported, it 
offered at the same time an afflicting eye- sore to the well excited 
jealousy of the Proprietaries, and an inviting prize to the cupidity 
of those who, at some risk, should think proper to seize it. In Sep- 
tember, 1775, Col. Plunket, under orders from the Government, 
detailed a strong force from the Northumberland militia, and march- 
ed to break up the settlements at Charlestown and Judea. The 
spirit or extent of resistance, is no where preserved, but is presumed 
to have been inconsiderable. One life was lost, and several persons 
of the Connecticut party were wounded. It has not been ascer- 
tained whether any loss was sustained by the Pennsylvania troops. 
After burning the buildings, and gathering together, for distribution 
among the victors, all the moveable property, the men taken were 
marched as prisoners, and confined in Sunbury jail ; while the wo- 
men and children were sent to Wyoming, where most of them had 
relations or friends. 

This successful expedition extinguished forever all settlements, by 
the Yankees, west of Westmoreland. Leaving the prisoners closely 
incarcerated, our attention is attracted to the proceedings of Con- 
necticut and of Congress. 

Hartford, Nov. 3, 1775—" Letters were laid before Council by the 
Governor, which stated that the Pennites, on the West Branch of 
the Susquehanna river, were about to come 500 in number, armed, 
to drive off the Connecticut settlers from the Wyoming country. 

* "I will here remark, that, in April 1769 the Susquehanna Company passed a vote to 
send on, in the whole, 540 settlers, 300 of which to have lands as a gratuity on the West 
Branch of the Susquehanna river — that several townships were soon after laid out on the 
West Branch for that purpose 

"By a subsequent act (May 1775) the western limits of the town [of Westmoreland] 
were extended " westward until it n)eets the line lately settled with the Indians at Fort Stan- 
wix, called the Stanwix line." [The West Branch settlements, were therefore, included.] 

"In May, 1775, one John Vincent, then residing on the West Branch, was appointed a 
Justice of the Peace for Litchfield county. The said Vincent, with several others, came 
to Wyoming in August, and requested a number of people to go on to the West Branch 
and make settlements, and extend the jurisdiction and authority of Connecticut to that 
country : whereupon, Maj. William Judd, and Joseph Sluman, Esq., and about 80 others, 
went on to the said West Branch in a peaceable manner in the month of September, and 
on the 20th of that month, immediately on their arrival there, were attacked and fired upon 
by about 500 Northumberland militia; one man killed, and several wounded — the party all 
taken prisoners," etc. " Messrs. Judd and Sluman sent to Philadelphia Goal— three remain- 
ed in Sunbury, £.nd the others dismissed." 

FRANKLIN." 

Col. Franklin subsequently states, that Messrs. Judd and Sluman (distinguished men 
among the Yankees, as will appear in the sequel) were detained several months in prison. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 169 

The Council viewed it as having a most dangerous tendency, to 
break the union of the colonies, and esteemed it a plan, probably- 
concerted by enemies, with that view. The Governor was desired 
to address Congress on the subject, and endeavour to have the 
matter quieted." 

On Saturday, the 4th of November, having been apprized of the 
destruction of Charleston and Judea, Congress came to the following 
resolution: 

" The Congress, considering that the most perfect union between 
all the colonies, is essentially necessary for the just rights of North 
America, and being apprehensive that there is great danger of hos- 
tilities being commenced at, or near Wyoming, between the inhabit- 
ants of the Colony of Pennsylvania, and those of Connecticut," 

Resolved — " That the Assemblies of said colonies be requested to 
take the most speedy and effectual steps to prevent such hostilities." 

" Ordered — That Mr. M'Kean, and Mr. Deane, wait upon the 
Honourable House of Assembly of Pennsylvania, now sitting, with 
a copy of the above resolutions." 

" Ordered — That a copy of the said resolutions be transmitted by 
express, to the Magistrates and People of Pennsylvania and Con- 
necticut, on the waters of the Susquehanna." 

Unfortunately, the influence of the Continental Congress was not 
sufficiently powerful to quell the storm. On the 7th of the month, 
in reply to the resolutions quoted, an evasive verbal answer was 
made by the Pennsylvania Assembly, through Mr. Dickinson: "De- 
siring to know on what evidence the Congress grounded the appre- 
hension therein expressed of hostilities commencing at, or near 
Wyoming, between the inhabitants of the Colony of Pennsylvania, 
and those of Connecticut." 

The complete, perhaps easy conquest, and desolation of the Muncy 
settlement, instead of satisfying, only rendered more eager the Penn- 
sylvania landholders, to strike a decisive blow against Wyoming. 
Col. Plunket had returned, his brow wreathed with victory, and a 
long line of Yankee prisoners graced his triumphal entry into Sun- 
bury; while some of his followers, enriched by so much plunder, 
obtained with scarce a contest, were desirous of trying their fortunes 
in a new enterprise on a more extended scale, offering to their suc- 
cessful arms an hundred fold more valuable reward. More elated 
perhaps, than wisdom would have justified; proud and flattered for 
what he had already achieved, Col. Plunket was told by others, 
and seems not to have doubted himself, that he was the man for 



170 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

whom the honour had been reserved, of rescuing Wyoming (the de- 
sired,) from the unprincipled encroachments of the moss trooping 
Yankees. Had he known the gallant Ogden, and could he have 
appreciated half his worth, the Colonel would modestly have judged 
the task, without undervaluing his own prowess, much more difficult 
of accomplishment than seems to have been apprehended. But 
ample means were promised him, and those promises were fulfilled. 
An army, for it may be so termed, of seven hundred men, were 
placed at his disposal.* 

During the continuance of the first Pennymite and Yankee war, 
from the commencement of 1769, to the close of 1771, it will be 
remembered that every expedition against Wyoming was of a civil 
character. Sheriffs Jennings and Hacklein being ostensibly the 
chief officers on duty, merely supported by Capt. Ogden, Capt. 
Francis, Col. Clayton, Capt. Dick, Captains Morris and Ledlie, 
with their several military companies ; the burnished musket, the 
glittering bayonet, the four pounder — the whole martial array being 
simply an appurtenant to a peace officer while he should serve a 
civil process. The same policy was again assumed. Col. Plunket, 
with his seven hundred armed men, his train of boats, with store of 
ammunition, the leading and largest one armed with a field-piece 
ready for action, on board, or to be landed, were the mere accom- 
paniments of William Cook, Esq., the High Sheriff of Northumber- 
land, whose business at Wyoming was to arrest two or three indi- 
viduals on civil writs. 

A high degree of excitement prevailed on both sides. Several 
boats from Wyoming, trading with the settlements below, were 
seized on passing Fort Augusta, and their cargoes confiscated. 
Early in December, his preparations having been completed, Col. 
Plunket took up his line of march, the weather then being mild, the 

" November 25, 1775. — Gov. Penn's Letter to Wm. Plunket and his associate Justices of 
the Peace, for the county of Northumberland. 

"I have just now received a message from the Assembly, founded on a letter addressed 
to them from the county of Northumberland respecting the Connecticut settlers at Wyo- 
ming, etc., requesting me to give orders for a due execution of the laws of this Province in 
the counties of Northampton and Northumberland. 

" In consequence thereof I do most cheerfully order you, to use your utmost diligence and 
activity in putting the laws of this Province in execution throughout the county of Nortli- 
umberland ; and you may depend on the faith of the House, and my concurrence with 
them, that every preper and necessary expense that may be incurred on the occasion will 
be defrayed," etc. 

JOHN PENN." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 171 

river free from ice, a matter extremely unusual at that season of the 
year. 

Justly alarmed at these formidable preparations, the Wyoming 
people despatched an agent to state the condition of affairs before 
Congress, and solicit their friendly interposition. 

But while calling on Congress the inhabitants were far too w^ise 
to omit placing themselves in the best possible posture of defence. 
The military were reviewed. As there was no public magazine of 
provisions, every man able to bear arms was directed to hold him- 
self in readiness to march at a moment's warning, his arms in order, 
with all the ammunition requisite for a weeks muster, and provisions 
for at least three days. 

Scouts sent out for the purpose, returned, one every day with infor- 
mation of the advance of the enemy, who were coming up strong, and 
confident of success. 

The cruelty of the contemplated attack was sensibly felt, intended, 
it was not doubted, like that on the Muncy settlement, to effectuate 
the entire expulsion of the whole people. It being in the midst of 
winter, those least given to despondence, looked to the probable 
issue with extreme inquietude, for defeat would assuredly devote the 
Valley to flames, and the inhabitants to famine. Seven hundred men ! 
nearly double the force Westmoreland could bring into the field. Of 
those who had taken the Freeman's oath, the whole number amount- 
ed to two hundred and eighty-five, and of these several came from 
the Lackawaxen settlement, forty miles east of Wyoming, a few from 
Coshutunk, on the Delaware, and many aged men were on the list. 
There were probably in the valley twenty or thirty persons, like 
David Meade, (holding a Connecticut right, yet in heart and hand 
if need be, being secretly Pennsylvania landholders,) who, if they 
took no open part, wished success to the enterprise of Plunket, and 
at a proper moment would have lent their efficient aid in his behalf. 
These of course never took the Freeman's oath. The young men from 
fifteen to twenty-one, rallied with spirit on the occasion. 

On the 20th December, the invading army was announced as 
having arrived at the mouth of the Nescopeck Creek, making their 
way now more slowly as the ice was gathering in the river, and 
checked the passage of their boats. Never did more earnest prayers 
ascend to Heaven for snows of Lapland to impede the march of the 
army, and ice of the Arctic circle to arrest their voyage. 

Again Congress interposed, and on the 20th of December, adopted 
the following most important proceedings. 



172 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" The Congress taking into consideration, the dispute between 
the people of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, on the waters of the 
Susquehanna, came to the following resolution: 

" Whereas, a dispute subsists between some of the inhabitants of 
the colony of Connecticut, settled under the claim of the said colony 
on land near Wyoming, on the Susquehanna river, and in the Dela- 
ware country, and the inhabitants settled under the claim of the 
Proprietors of Pennsylvania, which dispute it is apprehended will, 
if not suspended during the present troubles in the colonies, be 
productive of pernicious consequences, which may be very preju- 
dicial to the common interest of the United Colonies, therefore 

" Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Congress, and it is ac- 
cordingly recommended, that the contending parties immediately 
cease all hostilities, and avoid every appearance of force until the 
dispute can be legally decided. That all property taken and detain- 
ed, be immediately restored to the original owners; that no inter- 
ruption be given to either party, to the free passing and repassing 
of persons behaving themselves peaceably, through the disputed terri- 
tory, as well by land as by water, without molestation of either 
persons or property ; that all persons seized and detained on account 
of said dispute on either side, be dismissed and permitted to go to 
their respective homes, and that things being put in the same situa- 
tion they were before the late unhappy contest, they continue to 
behave themselves peaceably on their respective possessions and im- 
provements, until a legal decision can be had on said dispute, or 
this Congress shall take further order thereon, and nothing herein 
done, shall be construed in prejudice of the claim of either party."* 

But they came too late to arrest the attack of Colonel Plunket, 
whose force had arrived on the 2.'}d, at the southwestern opening of 
the Valley. Colonel Zebulon Butler, who commanded the Yankees, 
by the most strenuous exertions had mustered about three hundred 
men and boys, but there were not guns enough to arm the whole, 
and several appeared on the ground with scythes fastened upon han- 
dles, projecting straight as possible ; a formidable weapon in the hands 
of an active soldier, if they should be brought to close (juarters, but 
otherwise useless. These weapons the men sportively called " the 
end of time." On the night of the 23d, he encamped on a flat near 
the union of Harvey's Creek with the river. From this point he 

♦ TluM (lucirtive intorixwilioa of CongroKti, and thi'. acqnioHconcc! of IVrinHylvariia, it was 
thoniflit. l)y mutiy, ^(avc to tlie KfUlcriierit a legal Baiiction, tlioujjh it iniglit not cficct the uiti- 
riiate ({urHlion ol' title. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 173 

despatched Major John Garrett, his second in command, to visit 
Colonel Plunket with a flag, and desire to know the meaning of his 
extraordinary movements, and to demand his intentions in approach- 
ing Wyoming with so imposing a military array ? The answer given 
was, that he came peaceably as an attendant on Sheriff Cook, who 
was authorized to arrest several persons at Wyoming, for violating 
the laws of Pennsylvania, and he trusted there would be no oppo- 
sition to a measure so reasonable and pacific. Major Garrett re- 
ported that the enemy outnumbered the Yankees more than two to 
one. " The conflict will be a sharp one, boys," said he, " I for one am 
ready to die, if need be, for my country." Things wore a different 
aspect from what they had done formerly. Men then, were almost 
the only inhabitants. Now the Valley abounded with old men, 
women and children, brought out by the confidence inspired by 
three years of peace and prosperity. It was a season of gloomy 
apprehension. 

Colonel Butler was humane as he was brave — politic as he was 
undaunted. Several positions existed below the Nanticoke falls 
where the river leaves the Valley, and takes its way for four or 
five miles between precipitous mountains, where a stand might have 
been made with almost certain success. It was thought better, 
however, justifiable as would have been such a course, to wait the 
attack within the Valley itself. Orders were also given to this 
effect — not to take life unless rendered unavoidable in self-defence. 
Leaving Ensign Mason Fitch Alden, with eighteen men on the 
ground where he had bivouacked, Colonel Butler retired on the 
morning of the 2.3d, and detached Captain Stewart with twenty 
men across to the east side of the river, above the Nanticoke Falls, 
with orders to lie in ambush, and prevent any boat's crew from 
landing on that shore. 

On the morning of the 24th, about 11 o'clock, Ensign Alden was 
apprised of the approach of Plunket and his army, and, retiring 
slowly and in order, was followed by their van-guard, who came up 
with martial music playing. Keeping at a respectful distance, no 
shot was fired from either side, and Alden joining Col. Butler, re- 
ported the approach of the foe. 

Displaying his columns on the flat just abandoned by the Yankees, 
Col. Plunket directed a spirited advance in pursuit of Alden, not 
doubting but the main forces of the Yankees were near, and the 
hour of battle had come. In less than thirty minutes the advancing 
line was arrested by the word, Halt! and Plunket, who was in the 



174 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

front, a little on the right, observing Col. Butler's position, was heard 
to exclaim, " My God ! what a breastwork !" 

Harvey's creek coming in from the north, cuts the high mountain 
which here approaches the river, deep to its base. A precipitous 
ledge of rocks, from near the summit, runs southerly to the river, pre- 
senting to the west by south a lofty natural barrier, for a mile along 
the ravine ; and where the defence was not perfect, Col. Butler had 
made it so by ramparts of logs, so that it would require a powerful, 
as well as bold enemy, to dislodge him. Nothing could have been 
more perfectly military than the selection of the spot, and the whole 
preparations of defence. So it was regarded by his soldiers. Mr. 
John Carey says in respect to the conduct of Col. Butler, in all that 
affair " I loved the man — he was an honour to the human species." 
Such a declaration speaks the merits of Col. Butler in language more 
impressive than the most laboured eulogium. To take life was not the 
object, but orders were given for a general discharge all along the 
line of the defence by platoons, so as to impress Col. Plunket with a 
proper idea of the strength and spirit of its defenders. No one was 
hurt, but considerable confusion was seen to prevail in his ranks as 
Plunket's men recoiled from the formidable breastwork. A boat was 
forthwith dispatched by him, with a number of soldiers, to the oppo- 
site shore, it being the intention of the invaders to cross over and 
enter the settlement by a way apparently less obstructed, for sheriff 
Cook to serve his civil process. The passage of the boat and crew 
was watched by both parties with intense anxiety. A few minutes 
decided its fate. As it approached the shore, Capt. Stewart opened 
a fire, which wounded one man, and killed a dog that was on board, 
probably specially aimed at, when instantly pulling their oars with 
a will, the men gained the suction of the falls, through which they 
sped among the breakers with the rapid flight of an arrow, fortunately 
without further injury. 

Thus closed the battle for the day. Col. Plunket retired, and en- 
camped on the ground occupied by Col. Butler two nights previously. 
Early on the ensuing morning the contest was renewed, Col. Plunket 
returning to the attack, and determining to out-flank the Yankees, 
while at the same moment he should storm the breastwork. His 
troops displayed ; they approached the line of Yankee defence, cover- 
ing themselves by trees and loose rocks which lay below, and opened 
a spirited fire all along the line. While he thus assailed Col. Butler 
in front, a detatchment of his most determined and alert men was 
sent up the mountain on the left, by a rapid march, concealed as 



HISTORY OF WYOMING- 175 

much as possible, to turn the right flank of the Connecticut people. 
But this danger having been forseen, and guarded against, the flank- 
ing party was repelled. During this contest several lives were lostj, 
and a number on both sides wounded, how many, no record has been 
kept. A sou of Surveyor-General Lukens fell in the engagement ; a 
fine young man, deeply lamented on all sides ; but it was the fortune 
of war. 

A circumstance extremely affecting grew out of this battle. A 
great portion of the male population on the upper waters of the Sus- 
quehanna, it is known, in after times sawed lumber during the win- 
ter, and descended with it in rafts to market in the spring. The 
most cordial good understanding had for many years subsisted be- 
tween the Yankee raftmen and the inhabitants below ; the latter be- 
ing remarkable for their hospitality and kindness. A person who 
was in the battle saw one of Plunket's men approach with great in- 
trepidity very near the Yankee line, who, taking shelter behind a 
rock to load, would step out and fire wherever he could bring his 
rifle to bear. Already several men had fallen — the blood was up; — 
it had become a matter of life or death, and the aims became more 
close and deadly. The relator watched the opportunity, and as the 
head of Plunket's brave soldier rose above the rock, he fired, and the 
man fell. After the battle was decided, going to the place, the rela- 
tor found a hat band cut by a bullet ; the man and the hat were gone. 
Being down the river on a raft, many years afterwards, and stay- 
ing all night with a fine, hospitable old gentleman, they talked of 
Wyoming, and the ancient troubles there. " I lost a beloved son in 
the Plunket Invasion," said the aged father, as a tear fell. " See 
here," producing a hat perforated by a ball, " The bullet must have 
cut the band." The narrator said he never before experienced 
the depth of the calamities of war — the scene was most painful. Of 
course, he did not avow the deed, but most deeply deplored it, 
although never doubting he was doing right at the time, and under 
the circumstances, in defending his home from the invaders. 

Finding Col. Butler's position too strong to be carried by storm, 
Col. Plunket concluded his rash enterprise by a retreat. On Christ- 
mas day he withdrew his troops, they marching as they had come 
up, on the west side of the river. In the mean time, a party of the 
Yankees followed on the east side, with a view to capture one of the 
boats, but Mr. Harvey, who was a prisoner on board, calling to them 
not to fire, for they might injure their friends, they returned, and left 
the retreating army to pass down without further pursuit. 



176 HISTORY OF WYOMING.. 

The expedition of Col. Plunket* was, in every aspect in which it 
could be viewed, rash, and ill advised. After the resistance made in 
1771, and the two previous years, w^hen they were comparatively 
weak, the expulsion of the Wyoming people could not have been 
rationally calculated on, without a long and bloody contest. Just 
at the opening of the war with Great Britain, to commence a civil 
war, would seem to have been extremely unwise. In the depth of 
winter, when the Susquehanna is usually frozen up, to rely on trans- 
porting provisions, and the munitions of war in boats, appears to 
have been setting every precept of prudence at defiance. We see 
no reason to doubt the courage of Col. Plunket, and his men were 
unquestionably brave. But however zealous he and some of his 
troops may have been, the great body of them were extremely indis- 
posed to adopt the harsh measures proposed against the Connecticut 
people. Though zealous for the rights of Pennsylvania, an im- 
pression prevailed that the Connecticut people, though in error, 
honestly believed their title good, and it was thought by most of 
them, that some peaceable mode of settling the controversy w^ould 
be preferable to a resort to violence and arms. Had the Northum- 
berland militia pursued the attack with the zeal of their Commander, 
they would have given the Yankees, brave and determined as they 
might have been, infinitely more trouble, and occasioned a much 
heavier mutual loss of life. It is probable too, that the Resolution 
of Congress had reached the camp, and rendered many unwilling 
to pursue the matter further. In recording the transaction, we can- 
not refrain from the expression of pleasure, that the consequences 
were to either, no further disastrous. 

While these affairs were in progress, the colony of Connecticut 
had resolved to prohibit any addition being made to the settlement 
at Wyoming, unless under special license from the General Assembly. 

Situated as the inhabitants of Westmoreland were, on the very 
borders of the Indian towns which spotted the upper branches of the 
Susquehanna, several of their villages at Tioga, Sheshequin, and 
Queen Esther's Flats, being in fact within the town of Westmoreland, 
and whose conduct already gave strong indications of hostility, this 
resolution prohibing any accessions of strength to the colony, they 
had sent out to assert and maintain their Charter rights west of 
Nfew York, must appear to every candid reader, as of a very extra- 
ordinary character. Perhaps it may have been done in concert 

* See Note at the close of this Letter. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. I77 

with, and to quiet the apprehensions of Pennsylvania. The times 
demanded union. Patriotism urged the most powerful persuasives 
that every proper sacrifice should be made to assuage jealousy, and 
lead to concert in council and action. Connecticut had previously 
forbidden any settlement on the disputed ground, except under 
her authority. Two years had not elapsed, and now she positively 
forbids any further settlement whatever, even under her claim, 
except upon special license of the Assembly, not likely to be easily 
obtained. The keeping at home all her able bodied men, and the 
wealth they might possess, to aid her in the war just commenced, it 
must be confessed, might have been a motive deriving some sanction 
from prudence and policy, but none from justice and good faith to 
the Wyoming settlement.* 

A town meeting had been held December 6th, 1775, at which 
among other officers, Simon Spalding was chosen constable. The 
fact we quote in illustration of a previous remark, namely, that there 
was no office so high, or low, demanding the service of any freeman, 
which was not promptly accepted by the principal and leading men. 
Every station where the public was to be served, was a station of 
honour. Simon Spalding soon after held a captain's commission 
with distinguished honour, in the continental army, and was after- 
wards a general in the militia. The emoluments of office were a 
secondary consideration ; to serve the country seemed to be, in those 
patriotic times, a hallowed duty. 

But the meeting not having finished the business on which it had 
met, adjourned to Wednesday, the 20th of the month. Then, as the 
reader is aware, the whole valley was in commotion, preparing for 
the reception of Plunket. But a subsequent entry is made b^ Eze- 
kiel Pierce, the usual Clerk. " This meeting was adjourned until 
Wednesday, the 20th of December, at 9 of ye o'clock in the forenoon, 
at ye house of Mr. Jabez Sill. 

*' But there was no meeting by reason of ye Pennimites," etc. 

Though trifling in itself, yet as we mean to hold the mirror up to 
nature, and reflect a true picture of those ancient times, the fact must 

* In addition to the Resolutions of the Connecticut Assembly, we find the following pro- 
ceedings of Congress on the subject, passed Dec. 23, 1775. 

Whereas, the colony of Connecticut has, by a certain Act of their Assembly, " Resolved, 
that no further settlements be made on the lands disputed between them and Pennsylvania, 
without license from the said Assembly.'' 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Colony of Connecticut not to introduce any 
settlers on the said lands, till the further order of this Congress, until the said dispute shall 
be settled. 

12 



178 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

be stated. A rivalry for power and precedence had sprung up be- 
tween Kingston, or the Forty, and Wilkesbarre. The widely ex- 
tended and rich bottom lands on the west side of the river, Abra- 
ham's Plains and Shawney, had attracted thither a large portion of 
the settlers. Why should they cross the river and pay ferriage to 
attend town meetings in Wilkesbarre ? Aye, but Wilkesbarre, with 
its superb town plot, already seeing itself a county town in perspec- 
tive, thought nothing could be more reasonable and pleasant than 
that public business should be transacted on her side. This jealousy 
had led to a town vote, and it had been decided by a small majority, 
that a certain tree in Kingston, " ten rods north of the house of Mr. 
Timothy Ross, shall be the Public sign-post ;" repealing thereby, and 
repudiating the tree north of Mr. Butler's, in Wilkesbarre. Several 
town meetings were held in Kingston, and the prudence of Clerks 
would not, or failed to, state lohere they were holden. At length a 
compromise was made, as they had excellent precedent from Home, 
Hartford and New Haven possessing half-share rights in the honour 
of having the General Assembly meet in their respective cities. So, 
too, the County Courts w^ere held alternately at the rival cities of 
Norwich and New London. 

" "Voted — That for the future the Annual town meetings, and 
Freeman's meetings shall be held, half the time on the east side of 
the river, and the other half on the west side of the river, for one 
year." 

On the 29th of December, only four days after Col. Plunket had 
retired, we find the whole settlement together, in "town meeting." 
It was in importance equal to the Wittenagemote of our Saxon an- 
cestors. The rigid Puritanism of the times allowing few amusements, 
the town meeting was a matter both of business and recreation. 
When met the most athletic threw the bar, rolled the bullet, wrestled, 
standing face to face, the right hand on each other's collar, the left 
hold of each other's elbow, the play with the feet, and the expert trip 
and twitch, affording a fine opportunity to display activity and skill. 
Or the parties took each other round the back, seizing by the waist- 
band, the other hands interlocked, and then came the less neat and 
scientific, but more arduous struggle, the result depending greatly on 
strength. A third mode was for two to stand at a few rods distance, 
and rushing in, seize each other, and wrestle rough and tumble. 
Others again ran foot races, especially the lads, while some of the 
first in activity would run and jump the string. William Hibberd, 
it is told with a sort of bold pride by the old men, would cause a 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. j^g 

twine to be stretched so high that he could pass under it, just touch- 
ing his hair — then stepping back a rod or two, he would leap like a 
deer, so light, so airy, as scarcely to touch the earth, and clear it 
with ease at a bound. 

Several votes were passed in consequence of the Plunket invasion, 
too important to be omitted. 

" That Mr. Christopher Avery be chosen Agent for this town, to 
proceed forthwith to his Hon. the Governor of this Colony, and lay 
our distressed case before him." 

Obadiah Gore, jr., was also appointed to proceed to Philadel 
phia, " and lay before the Honorable Continental Congress, the late 
invasion made by the tory party of the Pennsylvania people." 

" Voted — That Titus Hinman and Perrin Ross, be appointed to 
collect the charity of the people for the support of the widow Baker, 
the widow Franklin, and the widow Ensign." 

How many single men were slain, or how many more married 
men whose circumstances were such that their widows would not 
need the aid of contributions we are not informed. It is probable 
six or eight were killed in all, and three times that number wounded. 

It is not strange that money should have been scarce at Wyoming, 
as no market invited and rewarded the transportation of their surplus 
products, but grain, it is inferred, must have been plenty, from the 
prices at which it was valued. A vote was passed that in payment 
of taxes, corn should be received at two shillings a bushel, rye 
at three shillings, and wheat at four shillings, that is thirty-four, fifty, 
and sixty-seven cents. 

So ended the memorable Plunket invasion, and thus closed the 
eventful year 1775.* 

* On a recent visit to Northumberland, (May 1845) Mr. McC an intelligent gentle- 
man, whose memory reaches back to Revolutionary times, related to me several characteristic 
anecdotes of Dr. Plunket. He was an Irishman (the name is distinguished in the history of 
the Emerald Isle,) whose loyalty to his king, neither the blandishments of ambition, the per- 
suasions of interest, nor the terrors of proscription could shake for a moment. Up to the day 
of his death he would never take the oath of allegiance, which conceded the demise of royal 
authority in America. Not unfrequently assailed, for he was fearless and free spoken, he 
went armed with the loaded but of a riding whip, prepared to defend or chastise. A Justice 
of the Peacebefore the Revolution, if his decisions were just, his manner of inflicting punish- 
ment was frequently odd, if not arbitrary and severe. It would seem that the old English 
whipping-post and stocks, was unknown in Northumberland ; but the Doctor had a stout 
worm-fence, and sometimes placed the neck of the prisoner between the rails, making them 
both pillory and stocks, at the same time. He died at an advanced age, a bachelor, and was 

buried at Sunbury, The father of Mr. McC was in the Plunket invasion, and some 

years afterwards received from the treasury (he thinks) ^250 for his services on the ex- 
pedition. 



180 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ADDITIONAL NOTE. 

From Holt's New York Journal and General Advertiser, January 25, 1776. 

" A letter from Westmoreland, dated the 27th of December, mentions that a body of six or 
seven hundred tories, under one Plunket, had assembled in arms, with two cannon, threaten- 
ing destruction to all that opposed them. They were met on the 21st by Colonel 

■with about two hundred of his regiment, who, after a short but brisk firing, which killed a 
number of them, drove one wing into the mountains, and obliged the main body to retreat. 
On the 23d, they, the Tories, attempted to cross the river, and destroy the settlements 
there ; but a party was prepared to receive them, who, when they came near the shore, fired 
upon, and killed fifty or sixty of them, when all the rest retired precipitately, and will hardly 
return this winter. On the other side, there were but three killed and two wounded." 

[Remark. The fifty or sixty stated to have been killed, was probably an error of the 
press. We have never previously seen the number estimated at half that amount. 

Opprobious party names were applied to opponents at that day, with as little regard to 
fairness, as they had been for ages before, and have been for half a century since. Though 
the designation was applicable to Col. P., yet there is no reason to doubt but nine-tenths of 
his followers were as zealous whigs as their Yankee opponents.] 



A THIRD NOTE. 

For the following I am indebted to a literary friend. It is highly curious and will be 
read with interest. 

From the Gentleman's Magazine, of September 1750. 

" Several highway robberies having been committed on various persons on Hounslow 
Heath, among others on Lord Eglintoun ; on the 27th July, James Maclean, who passed 
for an Irish gentleman of fortune, was apprehended, who afterwards confessed, he with one 
Plunket had committed the robberies. 

In his defence on trial, he stated " that he had been in trade and had unhappily become 
acquainted with Plunket, an apothecary, who by his account of himself, induced me to 
believe he had travelled abroad, and was possessed of clothes and other things suitable there- 
to, and prevailed on me to employ him in attending on my family, and lend him money to the 
amount of 100 pounds and upwards. On giving up trade, I pressed Plunket for payment, 
and after receiving by degrees several sums, he proposed to pay me part in goods. 

" These very clothes, with which I am charged, he brought there and made sale of towards 
paying my debt." 

A MSS leaf states as follows : — " Plunket, the companion of Maclean, escaped, emigrated 
to America, reformed and became a very respectable character. He was for many years 
one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, of Northumberland county, Pa., 
and died." 

" By his own acknowledgment he was concerned with Maclean in the attack upon Lord 
Eglintoun on Hounslow Heath. They engaged in this scheme to rob him, without the in- 
tention of committing murder, knowing that Eghntoun had left a gambling house with a 
large sum of money, and was going to his country seat. They found him armed, and in 
self protection, Maclean discharged his blunderbuss into the chariot. 

" No injury was done, and they meeting with unexpected resistance, made off. 

" Plunket was recognized in America by a person who had known him in England, and 
who kept his secret. 

" He regretted this action, as one of his youthful crimes, and afterwards became a very 
useful member of society." 

Extracted from the 21st volume of bound Magazines, in the Library of the Athenteum. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 181 

A FOURTH NOTE. 

In the foregoing letter, page 168, will be found a note signed " Franklin." The following 
explanation is deemed proper. 

Colonel Franklin's Book. — After the annunciation had been publicly made, that my his- 
tory was ready for the press, a letter was received from my excellent friend, the Hon. John N. 
Conyngham, then on a circuit, holding courts in the upper part of his district, stating that 
Col. Kingsbury had placed in his hands a manuscript of Col. Frankhn, in relation to the 
Wyoming claim and history. All the important papers of Col. Franklin had been, it was 
supposed, accidentally consumed by fire, occasioning universal regret. To his journal, ob- 
tained through Judge Conyngham's politeness from the kindness of Col. Kingsbury, is now 
added this manuscript volume, leaving nothing (except personal reminiscences and anecdotes 
illustrative of individual character) that Col. Franklin knew, or could have thought worthy 
of being related, to be wished for. The book is a quarto of 106 pages, in his own hand 
writing, and signed with the often seen, and well remembered autograph of 

JOHN FRANKLIN. 

It would seem that the first sixty pages were a syllabus of the Connecticut claim and settle- 
ment, made to be produced before Congress, or a new court (as petitioned for) if it had been 
raised, under the confederation, to try the private right of soil. For it begins with King 
James's Charter to the Plymouth Corapan}', and runs regularly through all the documents, 
giving brief, but clear explanations or extracts, and to the marginal notes, or index, is added 
" a copy ;" " we have a copy," " Charter produced, etc." Of the settlement of 1763, the mas- 
sacre and expulsion, he says: "Proved by the deposition of Wm. Buck, Parshall Terry, 
and other witnesses may be had." Being intended for some important public purpose, it 
seems full, and prepared with great care. 

The forty subsequent pages contain an epitome of the history of Wyoming, down to 
the establishment of Luzerne county, the marginal notes and index being continued, (as in 
our printed laws) but the remark " a copy," " we have a copy," or how proved, not conti- 
nued. So that we infer it was intended as a memorandum for himself and friends, of the 
interesting events of the period he treats of. It has in no respect the form of a history writ- 
ten out for publication. 

Having examined the venerable relic, with interest and care, the first remark we have to 
make is: An early possession of the manuscript would have saved us a year of patient 
labour. For here is gathered in a single sheaf, a vast variety of valuable facts, which we 
have been gleaning with solicitude and toil from a wide field, indeed, from almost innume- 
rable sources. Our second remark is — that we are surprised — pleased, yea, proud — that our 
researches had been so successful. At present it is thought that not a single alteration or 
addition need be made in the text of our book ; but that all proper emendations or additions 
may be introduced in notes, indicating their source by adding the name of Franklin, 



LETTEE XY. 



177g. Alarm — Indians — Council at "Wyoming — Indian Speech — Letter of Colonel But- 
ler — Second deputation of Indians — Proceedings — Danger apparent — Numbers and 
strength of Wyoming — Precautionary measures — Strange and unwelcome settlers — Alarm 
increases — John Secord — Tories arrested — Sent to Connecticut — Members of Assembly — 
Forts built — County created — Enlistment of men — Important proceedings of Congress — 
Two Companies raised to defend the town — Immediately marched away. 



The year 1776, was the most important to Wyoming both in imme- 
diate events, and ultimate consequences, that had yet been expe- 
rienced. 

Extreme anxiety had existed on the part of Congress and the 
country, in respect to the part the Six Nations and other Indians, 
would take in the contest between Great Britain and the Colonies. 
Every probable means suggested by prudence were adopted to con- 
ciliate their good will, and prevent them from taking up arms in 
favour of either party. Commissioners were sent among them with 
*' talks" carefully prepared, stating the grievances which we suffered 
from Great Britain, and urging the Indians to leave the buried 
hatchet in repose, and maintain a position of peace and neutrality. 
Delegations of chiefs were invited to Philadelphia, where councils 
were held, and presents made to them ; but amid general professions 
of friendship, it was apparent that a more powerful influence inclined 
them to side with the enemy, and anxiety all along the frontier, 
ripened into alarm. So very important were our Indian relations to 
the quiet, if not the existence of Wyoming, that a further exposition of 
the matter, appears to be required at our hand. 

So early as the 1st of June 1775, a petition was laid before Con- 
gress from Augusta county, west of the Alleghany, Virginia, intima- 
ting " fears of a rupture with the Indians, on account of Lord 
Dunmore's conduct." In December of that year. Congress thought 
fit to publish an extract of a letter from General Schuyler, relative 
to measures taken by the ministerial agents to engage the Indians 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 183 

in a war with the colonies. In June, 1776, Congress were informed 
' by a letter from the President of South Carolina, that the Chero- 
kees had commenced hostilities, etc." 

The ill temper of the savages is shown by the sj)eech of Logan, 
a chief, to the commissioners at Pittsburg. " We still hear bad 
news. Connesdico and some of us are constantly threatened, and 
the Bear-skin, a trader from Pennsylvania, amongst others, says, a 
great reward is offered to any person who will take or entice either of 
us to Pittsburg, where we are to be hanged up like dogs by the Big- 
knife. This being true, how can we think of what is good. That 
it is true we have no doubt, and you may depend on it, that the 
Bear-skin told Metopsica every word of what I have mentioned." 

August the 19th, Congress Resolved, " That the Commissioners be 
instructed to make diligent inquiry into the murder lately committed 
by Indians in the neighborhood of Pittsburg, on one Crawford; and 
that, as soon as they discover by whom the same was committed, 
they demand due punishment on the offender or offenders, which being 
granted, this Congress will not consider the same as a national act." 

Still the Chief Head, the Council at Onondago, were making hol- 
low professions of peace, and endeavoring to lull the frontiers into 
security. An outrage had been committed on a person named Wil- 
son, who lived some distance up the North Branch, but within the 
limits of Westmoreland. Col. Butler, though not officially authorized 
to do so, thought proper on behalf of the people to send a messenger 
to the neighboring tribes, and ascertain their intentions. A chief 
returned with the messenger. His English name was John. We 
regret that his Indian name has not been preserved, for his speech is 
one of the most chaste, neat specimens of Indian oratory we have 
ever read. The Rev. Mr. Johnson acted as interpreter. 

A Conference held at Wyoming, or Westmoreland, between Capt. 
John in behalf of the Six Nations, and Col. Butler of the Colony 
of Connecticut. 

" Capt. John : — 

" Brothers — We come to make you a visit and let you know we 
were at the Treaty at Oswego, with Col. Guy Johnson. We are all 
of one mind, we are friends, and bring good news. 

" Brothers — We are also come to let you know, the Six Nations 
have been something afraid, but now are glad to see all things look 
like peace, and they think there will be no quarrel with each other, 
and you must not believe bad reports, or remember times that have 
been bad or unfriendly. 



184 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" Brothers — All our spirits are of one colour, why should we not 
be of one mind. Continue to be brothers as our fathers and grand- 
fathers were. 

" Brothers — We hope and desire you may hold what liberties and 
privileges you now enjoy. 

" Brothers — We are sorry to hear two brothers are fighting with 
each other, and should be glad to hear the quarrel was peaceably 
settled. We choose not to interest ourselves on either side. The 
quarrel appears to be unnecessary. We do not well understand it. 
We are for peace. 

" Brothers — When our young men come to hunt in your neighbor- 
hood, you must not imagine they come to do mischief — they come to 
procure themselves provisions — also skins to purchase them clothing. 

" Brothers — We desire that Wyoming may be a place appointed 
where the great men may meet, and have a fire, which shall ever 
afterwards be called Wyomick, when you shall judge best, to pre- 
vent any jealousies or uneasy thoughts that may arise, and thereby 
preserve our friendship. 

" Brothers — You see but one of our chiefs. You may be suspicious 
on that account, but we assure you, this Chief speaks in the name of 
the Six Nations. We are of one mind. 

" Brothers — What we say is not from the lips, but from the heart. 
If any Indians of little note should speak otherwise, you must pay 
no regard to them, but observe what has been said and wrote by the 
chiefs, which may be depended on. 

" Brothers — We live at the head of these waters, (Susquehanna.) 
Pay no regard to any reports that may come up the stream or any 
other way, but look to the head of the waters for truth, and we 
do now assure you, as long as the waters run, so long you may 
depend on our friendship. We are all of one mind, and we are all 
for peace." 

A letter from Col. Butler to the Hon. Roger Sherman then a dele- 
gate in Congress, from Connecticut, will throw additional light on 
the subject. 

"Westmoreland, Oct. 1st, 1776. 

"Honored Sir: — In some of my last letters, you will recollect I 
informed you I had sent a messenger among the Indians upon the 
head waters of the Susquehannah, and thereby informed them of an 
assault made upon one of our people, whose testimony has some time 
since been sent to you. The Indians, you will see by the enclosed 
messages, are disposed for peace, and think it necessary that this 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 185 

place be appointed to hold their Council at, and, as they express it, 
to have a fire-place here. Their importunity was so pressing on that 
account, that I promised them to inform the Congress, and our As- 
sembly of their request, and would beg the opinion of yourself, and 
our other delegates, whether it is best to lay it before the Congress, 
and that you would be pleased to inform his Honour, our Governor, 
' immediately, what you apprehend will be best for the Colony to do, 
if any thing, in that matter. The Indians when they come here, 
expect presents, or at least to be supported while among us, and no 
one is appointed to treat with them. They come to me, and I have 
frequently given them, but find the burthen too great for one man to 
bear. 

" They also insist upon a new flag, such as is used by the army of 
the United States. They say their old flag came over the great 
water, and they now want a new one, as a token of their friendship 
to the United States. 

" By the last papers we find that the report of Col. Butler, etc., 
with Indians and Canadians being at Oswego, is disbelieved. By 
the accounts we had before received of that matter, some were much 
agitated here, but seem more easy at present. 

" I expect to be at the Assembly, and shall gladly receive any 
information you shall think proper to send me. 

" I am, sir, your humble servant, 

" Z. Butler." 

" N. B. The Indians deny having any hand in the attack made 
upon Wilson, and have engaged to let us know if they make any dis- 
covery of that matter. 
Hon. Roger Sherman." 

The earnest desire to have a fire-place erected at Wyoming, and 
that a great council should be held there, was probably a devised 
plan to introduce the savages into the settlement without creating 
alarm, and then treacherously to destroy the whole. Their importu- 
nity it seems, " was pressing.''^ 

It would also appear that now, since war rumors were afloat, 
numerous chiefs, claiming consideration, visited Wyoming, expecting 
presents and entertainment. " I have frequently given" says Colonel 
Butler, " but find the burden too great for one man to bear." 

But they wanted a new flag, such as the " United States Army 
used," probably as a decoy on a fitting occasion. In respect to the 



186 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

news of Colonel John Butler with his Canadians and Indians being 
at Oswego, Colonel Z. Butler says : — "Some were very much agi- 
tated HERE." The more sagacious men at Wyoming, could not 
fail to foresee and dread the danger. A tremendous avalanche hung 
over them, which the least jar might precipitate on their heads. 

In September following, a deputation of three chiefs arrived at 
Wyoming, and brought a " Talk," the " Great Head" at Onondago 
having held a council. The talk was agreed upon at Chenango by 
certain authorized chiefs. While it professes peaceable intentions, 
the tone is one of complaint. The length is too great to render 
proper its publication entire. A paragraph or two will give its 
spirit. 

" Brothers — There is a great deal between us. The Devil is 
always putting something between us, but this is to clear your hearts 
that you may speak clearly and pleasantly to us. A string of 
wampum. 

"Well Brothers — There is a great deal of trouble around you. 
Your lids are all bloody, but we come to clear away all suspicion 
that your hearts may be pleasant." Three strings of wampum. 

Still desirous that a great council fire should be kindled at Wyo- 
ming, they proceed : — 

" Well Brothers — Our fire-place is almost lost, and our fire almost 
out. We think it hard, and desire it may be renewed, and the 
fire-place fixed here, that our mutual fire may give light from one 
end of this river to the other. 

" Brothers — We are unwilling to have forts built up the river, 
but wish you would be content to build forts here among the lower 
settlers. A fort at Wyalusing will block up our new made, wide, 
and smooth road, and again make us strangers to one another." 

Three other paragraphs urgently desire that a " Fire" may be 
kindled at Wyoming, "so that the flame and smoke may arise to 
the clouds," etc. 

After complaining of some wrong by a white man, done an Indian 
in the exchange of cows, and demanding satisfaction, they ask a 
new flag, and beg for some flour to take home with them, and 
request that as they are for peace their guns and tomahawks may 
be put in order. 

In conclusion, " Well Brother, Colonel Butler, you must have an 
Indian name ; Koorenghloognana, (signifying a great tree,) we will 
henceforth call you." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 187 

The Chiefs present were 

William Nanticoke, Nanticoke Chief. 
Indian Joseph, Onondago Chief. 
Narondigwanok, or ) ^ g^^^^^ ^^^^f. 
Capt. Johnson, ) 

The " TaW was regarded as evasive and unsatisfactory. It may 
be considered as creditable to the Wyoming people, that Indian 
jealousy could find nothing in their five years intercourse, for their 
friends scattered through the Valley to complain of, except the matter 
of the cow exchange. 

In a letter from Colonel Butler to Roger Sherman, dated August 
6, 1776, he says :— 

" You will see by the representations from this town that we are 
under apprehensions of danger from the Indians, as our army has 
retreated to Crown-point, and every artifice using to set the Indians 
on us, by Johnson and Butler, at Niagara." 

Colonel Butler also speaks of the settlement being in want of arms, 
" as those eighty guns taken from our people at Warrior's Run, 
have not been returned," etc. 

A report reached the valley the same month, that Colonel John 
Butler, " with Indians and Canadians, was at Oswego." Notwith- 
standing the professions of the Six Nations, no one doubted before the 
close of 1776, but that they were pledged to the interest of Great 
Britain, and on the invasion by Burgoyne early in the following year, 
numbers of them were found arrayed under his standard, active, brave 
and cruel, as became their long established character. 

Westmoreland extended north, five miles above the confluence of 
the Susquehanna and Chemung rivers. The upper part of the town 
was therefore not only within the range of the Indian paths, but as 
previously stated, actually included several of their settlements -at 
Tioga Point, Sheshequin and the Great Bend. In the immediate 
neighborhood were the populous villages of Oquaga, (one of the head 
quarters of Brandt,) Chenango, Owego, Choconut and Newtown, the 
latter a place where many distinguished chiefs resided. The general, 
almost the universal, course of travel for the Indians going east or 
west, was through the upper part of Westmoreland. A moderate 
freshet in the river, would bring their boats and canoes, in twenty- 
four hours, from their place of rendezvous at Tioga, into the heart 
of the Wyoming settlement. Being therefore within easy striking 
distance, they were fully aware of their danger, and might well look 
with anxious solicitude to the public authorities for protection. 



188 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

A colony projected out from her own bosom beyond New York, 
forty miles north of the Blue Mountains, and divided by an inhospita- 
ble wilderness, from any other settlement of sufficient strength to 
yield support in case of invasion, Connecticut seemed called upon by 
the strongest considerations of justice and mercy to take measures 
to afford effectual protection to this her exposed frontier. 

An important inquiry presents itself; What were the numbers, 
and what the strength of Westmoreland ? Trumbull states, and on 
his authority, Chapman copies the assertion, that there were five 
thousand inhabitants in the town. It will be observed that the 
number is stated roundly at five thousand, as if it were matter of 
guess, rather than of enumeration. From all the lights before me, 
I am confident the number is greatly exaggerated. In the first 
place, during the years of peace and prosperity from 1774 to 1776 
only two hundred and eighty-five (285) persons had taken the Free- 
man's oath, and exercised the right of suffrage in town meetings, 
when there were many and obvious motives to do so, and none that 
we can conceive of, to deter. 

Second. When, after the Declaration of Independence, a new oath 
was demanded, only two hundred and sixty-nine (269) had appeared 
and been sworn. Allowing an hundred freemen to have been absent 
with the army, and the whole number would be three hundred sixty- 
nine (369.) If we allow six persons to each voter, the number 
would be two thousand two hundred and fourteen (2214.) Third. 
A list of settlers at Wyoming for 1773, two years before, in Col. 
Butler's hand writing, numbers only two hundred and sixteen (216.) 
Fourth. An assessment for Wilkesbarre township in 1774, corrected 
January 1775, contains one hundred and twenty (120) names. The 
sum assessed was ^63646. The whole assessment in Westmoreland 
that year was £13,083. Now if £3646 give 120 persons, how many 
would 13083 give? It is apprehended this would be one fair mode 
of approximating the truth. The answer is 430, which multiplied 
by 6, gives 2580. 

In the Plunket battle, when full notice had been received of the 
impending and pressing danger, and every thing was at stake, only 
about three hundred men could be mustered, and not all those with 
fire arms. We see no reason to suppose the whole number of in- 
habitants exceeded about twenty-five hundred (2500.) Perhaps to 
impress the enemy with an idea of her formidable power, might have 
been regarded as a means to prevent invasion, and therefore warrant- 
ing the exaggeration. The data on which our conclusion is founded, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 189 

being submitted, every person who takes an interest in the matter 
will form an opinion for himself. 

Having presented a brief view of the position of Wyoming, the 
dangers the people had reasonable ground to apprehend, and as 
accurate an estimate as possible of the number of inhabitants, we 
approach a matter of the utmost moment ; but previous to entering 
thereon, duty and pleasure call on us to state some highly patriotic 
proceedings; while an equal sense of duty demands our notice of 
several painful events. 

At a town meeting, held March 10th, " Voted, that the first man 
that shall make fifty weight of good salt-petre in this town shall be 
entitled to a bounty of ten pounds, lawful money, to be paid out of 
the town treasury." 

" Voted, that the selectmen be directed to dispose of the grain 
now in the hands of the Treasurer, or Collector, in such way as to 
obtain powder and lead to the value of forty pounds, lawful money, 
if they can do the same." 

The Continental Congress having recommended the appointment 
of committees of vigilance in every town, and the arrest of persons 
hostile to the cause of liberty, a committee of inspection was estab- 
lished, a measure that became the more pressingly necessary, as, 
with the breaking out of the war, and the prohibition on the part 
of Connecticut of any further emigration to Wyoming, there had 
come in strange families of interlopers from Minnisink, from West 
Chester, New York, from Kinderhook, and the Mohawk, neither 
connected with Pennsylvania nor Connecticut, between whom and 
the old settlers there was neither sympathy in feeling, nor com- 
munity of interests — ^Wintermoots, Vangorders, and Von-Alstines. 
A path of communication was opened by the disaffected between 
New York and Niagara, to strike the Susquehanna twenty miles 
above Wilkesbarre. Some of those new and unwelcome settlers 
soon made their sentiments known, and disclosed their hostility to 
the American cause, while others for the time remained quiet, 
though subsequent events showed the purpose of their emigration to 
the Susquehanna.* 

* This view is attested by the fact, that in January 1776, Mr. Hageman being examined 
before the committee of inspection, said, "that riding with Mr. S. — they spoke of the -people 
coming in up the river to join the enemy [" as a familiar and well understood matter."] He, 
Hageman, observed that the Yankees would go up and take their arms from them. S. re- 
plied, he was the man, if it were done, who would see that they were returned to them." 



190 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

John Secord, who had settled up the river near thirty miles above 
the Valley, was known to harbor suspicious persons, and was sus- 
pected of acting as a spy, and giving intelligence to the enemy. 
Several British prisoners, confined at Lebanon, Conn., had made 
their escape, viz: Captain Hume, Lieuts. Richardson, Hubbage and 
Burroughs, with their servants. Having a pilot, they struck the 
river twenty miles above the Valley, and were supposed to have 
been directed to, and entertained by Secord, furnished with pro- 
visions, and aided in their flight to Niagara. 

The committee caused him to be arrested ; but he petitioned 
Congress, complaining of the outrage on his rights, and by their 
order was liberated. A bold, bad man, he united himself to the ene- 
my, the moment he could more effectually serve them in that manner, 
than by professing friendship for the Yankees, and acting as a spy 
upon Wyoming. Two of the Vangorders, Philip and Abraham, 
were taken by the committee, and sent to Litchfield for trial. 
Andrew Adams, Esq., was employed to conduct the prosecution, 
but the issue we have not been able to learn. About the same time 
eight or ten persons were arrested, and sent to Hartford for trial, 
but were dismissed. 

Doubts have been expressed whether there was not more zeal 
than discretion in these proceedings. With the faint lights before 
us it is impossible to form an opinion entirely satisfactory upon the 
subject. Certain it is, such an influx of strangers was deemed, and 
not without reason, extraordinary. Some of mem it is known im- 
mediately opened communications with the ene ny. The issue show- 
ed that they were all enemies in disguise. We are not prepared to 
say therefore, that the people were to blame in taking the most ener- 
getic measures to remove, or over-awe the more avowedly disaffected, 
especially when the recommendations of Congress are considered. 

John Jenkins, Esq., (the elder) and Captain Solomon Strong, were 
chosen members of the Legislature to attend at Hartford, in May, 
with express orders to request the Assembly to demand of the 
Pennsylvania Government J4,000 for losses sustained by their in- 
vasion, and if necessary to pursue the matter before Congress. As no 
further notice of the subject appears upon the records, and as it is 
certain no compensation was received, it is presumed that prudential 
considerations induced the General Assembly to decline interfering. 

" At a town meeting legally warned and held, in Westmoreland, 
Wilkesbarre district, August 24, 1776, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 191 

" Colonel Butler was chosen moderator for the work of the day. 

" Voted — As the opinion of this meeting, that it now becomes 
necessary for the inhabitants of this town to erect suitable forts, 
as a defence against our common enemy." 

Recently there had been established by the General Assembly at 
Westmoreland, the 24th Regiment of Connecticut militia. The meet- 
ing voted that the three field officers should be a committee to fix 
on proper sites for the forts, lay them out, and give directions how 
they should be built. The Wintermoots, a numerous family, seem- 
ing to have extraordinary means at command, had purchased and 
settled near the head of the Valley upon a spot where a large and 
pure spring of water gushes out from the high bank, or upper flat. 
Here they had erected a fortification, known as Wintermoot's fort. 
This was looked upon with jealousy by the old settlers. A vote 
was therefore passed, that no forts be built except those which 
should be designated by the military committee. As it was too 
late to remedy the evil, the committee resolved to counteract it as 
far as possible, by causing a fort to be built a mile above Winter- 
moots, in the neighborhood, and under the supervision of the 
Jenkins and Harding families, leading men and ardent patriots. 
It was named Fort Jenkins, (but must not be confounded by the 
reader with the Fort Jenkins, half way between Wyoming and Sun- 
bury, or Fort Augusta.) Forty Fort was to be strengthened and en- 
larged. Sites were fixed on in Pittston, Wilkesbarre, Hanover, and 
Plymouth. And th^n was adopted the following beautiful vote: — 

" That the above said committee, do recommend it to the people 
to proceed forthwith in building said Forts without either fee or 
reward from ye town." 

We leave it in its simplicity to speak its own eulogium. 

The die was cast. Independence was declared. War assumed 
throughout the land his sternest aspect, and every day disclosed to 
Wyoming some new ground of apprehension. The savages, who yet 
dwelt in the Valley, theretofore peaceable and quiet, now began to 
assume an insolent carriage, demanding provisions and liquor, with 
an authoritative air, accompanied by expressions implying threats 
of vengeance if refused. Justly dreading the ill consequences of a 
quarrel, the town passed a solemn vote, similar in spirit to one 
previously adopted, forbidding, under penalty of forty shillings a 
gill, the sale to an Indian of any spirituous liquors, and also pro- 
hibiting the transportation of spirits upon the river above the Vallev. 



192 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

In November, Colonel Butler and Colonel Denison, representatives 
to the October session of the Assembly, held at New Haven, re- 
turned, bringing the good tidings that the town of Westmoreland was 
erected into a county, and henceforth its organization, civil and mili- 
tary, was complete. Jonathan Fitch, Esq., had received the commis- 
sion of High Sheriff, and was of course the first person who ever held 
that responsible office on the North Branch of the Susquehanna. 

During the summer Capt. Weisner, from New York, was sent 
to Wyoming, to enlist part of a rifle company for the continental 
service. Obadiah Gore, Jr., an active and enterprising man, offered 
Weisner his influence, received the commission of lieutenant, and 
raised about twenty men, with whom he marched to head-quarters. 
Soon after, however, it being deemed proper that, as they were 
enlisted in Connecticut, they should be credited to her, and not to 
the New York line of the army, they were transferred, it is believed, 
to the regiment of Col. Wyllis. 

About the same time, Capt. Strong enlisted part of a company, at 
Wyoming, the number is supposed to have been inconsiderable, not 
exceeding eight or ten. These being the first enlisted men, took with 
them the best arms that could be obtained. That a man should have 
left the Valley, or that a musket or rifle should have been taken, is 
matter of surprise. But no where throughout the United Colonies, 
did the spirit of patriotism glow more intensely than in Westmore- 
land. We make the remark here, and shall repeat it again, that like 
the generous steed which exerts every sinew, till he falls lifeless 
under his rider, Wyoming never seemed to know when they had 
done and suffered enough, if further duty or suffering was demanded 
by the cause. 

Col. Butler, in a letter to a member, complaining that no resti- 
tution had been made, as recommended by Congress, of property 
taken, partly in boats confiscated while trading down the river ; and 
horses, arms, and other articles taken from Wyoming, says : — " Our 
other property, though valuable, we would not mention at this day, 
but OUR ARMS WE CANNOT FORBEAR SPEAKING OP, as there are none to 
be -purchased, and we a frontier, and so unanimously willing to 
defend the United States of America, at the risk of our lives. But 
Congress must be best acquainted with the disposition of the In- 
dians," etc. Congress being fully apprised of the situation of West- 
moreland, determined to interpose and provide for the defence of the 
town. To this end — 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 193 

"Friday, August 23, 1776. — Resolved, That two companies on 
the Continental establishment, be raised in the town of Westmore- 
land, and stationed in proper places for the defence of the inhabitants 
of said town, and parts adjacent, till further order of Congress ; 
the commissioned officers of the said two companies, to be imme- 
diately appointed by Congress. 

" That the pay of the men, to be raised as aforesaid, commence 
when they are armed and mustered, and that they be liable to serve 
in any part of the United States, when ordered by Congress. 

" That the said troops be enlisted to serve during the war, unless 
sooner discharged by Congress." 

August 26th. — Congress proceeded to the election of sundry offi- 
cers, when Robert Durkee and Samuel Ransom were elected cap- 
tains of the two companies ordered to be raised in the town of West- 
moreland, James Wells, and Perrin Ross, first lieutenants ; Asahel 
Buck, and Simon Spalding, second lieutenants ; Herman Swift and 
Matthias Hollenback, ensigns of said companies." 

Early in September, information was received of the Resolution 
of Congress, and rendezvous for the enlistment of men on the terms 
prescribed, were opened by Capt. Durkee on the east, and by Capt. 
Ransom on the west side of the river. As the troops raised were by 
the express pledge of Congress, " to be stationed in proper places 
for the defence of the inhabitants," while, of course, the existing 
danger should continue, the able bodied men flocked to the standard 
raised, and in less than sixty days, both companies were full, num- 
bering about eighty-four each. 

Washington's army, greatly impaired in numbers and spirit, by 
their expulsion from Long Island, were now sorely pressed by Gen. 
Howe. On the 15th of September, New York was taken possession 
of by the enemy. The battle at White Plains had been fought, 
and on the 16th of November, Fort Washington surrendered to the 
British arms. Gen. Howe claiming to have taken twenty-five hundred 
prisoners. Gloom — almost despondence — overspread the American 
camp. Howe pushed his advantage with energy. Washington was 
compelled to retreat, from post to post, through the Jerseys. " The 
Commander-in-Chief," says Marshall, " found himself at the h^ra 
of this small force, less than three thousand soldiers, dispirited by 
their losses and fatigues, retreating, almost naked and bare footed, 
in the cold of November and December, before a numerous, well 
appointed and victorious army, through a desponding country, much 
13 



194 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

more disposed to obtain safety by submission than to seek it by 
manly resistance." 

On the 8th of December, Gen. Washington crossed the Delaware, 
and Congress immediately took measures to retire from Philadelphia 
to Baltimore. At this moment of peril, they " Resolved, Thursday 
December 12th, " That the two companies raised in the town of 
Westmoreland, be ordered to join Gen. Washington, with all possible 
expedition.''^ And the very same day adjourned to meet on the 20th, 
at Baltimore. 

Promptly obeying the order, the two companies hastened their 
march, and before the close of the month and year, were upon the 
lines, under the command of their beloved Washington. 



LETTER XYI. 



1777. Wyoming Companies— Rivalry — Political jealousy — Town vote — The dreaded 

Small Pox — Pestilence spreads — First Student to Yale College— Adonijah Stansbury — 
Case curious and troublesome — Indian book debt — Citation for Toryism — Difficulty 
settled by marriage — ^^Post established to Hartford — Yankee official titles — Tax — Prepa- 
rations for defence — Lieut. Jenkins, first prisoner — Brave Old Fitzgerald — Companies of 
Durkee and Ransom — Battle of Millstone — Porter killed— Gen, Washington's letter — 
Mud Fort— Lieut. Spalding — Matthewson killed — Wealth and revenue of Westmore- 
land — Warrant — Excessive burdens on Wyoming — Beautiful resolve. 



Lights and shadows alternately brightened and obscured the Wyo- 
ming sky during the year 1777. The glooniy aspect of affairs along 
the sea-board; Burgoyne with his powerful army descending from 
the north ; the accession of the savage interest to the cause of Great 
Britain, carrying with it the certainty that the frontier settlements, as 
in the old French war, would be one long line of conflagration and 
murder, awakened in the breasts of the Wyoming people, great fears 
for the general cause, and extreme anxiety for their own safety. 

The companies had marched with the utmost alacrity — not a mur- 
mur was heard, for every man felt that the case was one of im- 
perious necessity, yet not one of them entertained a doubt, but that 
the moment affairs below the mountains were restored to a state of 
tolerable order, the pledge " to be stationed in proper places to 
defend their homes," would be regarded in good faith, and the soldiers 
ordered back to the Valley. 

Treachery, a trick to entrap them into the service under so fair 
a pretence, and then to force them away, leaving their homes 
wholly exposed and unprotected, implied a degree of baseness and 
cruelty they could not even comprehend, and therefore did not fear. 
Cheerfully the soldiers marched to their duty, while hope of their 
speedy return sustained their families at home. 

Town meetings were as heretofore, duly holden, and at the spring 
meeting, John Jenkins and Isaac Tripp, Esqs., were chosen mera- 



196 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

bers to the Assembly, ^vhich was to convene in Hartford, in May. 
Westmoreland being now a county as well as town, a place for the 
erection of public buildings must be fixed upon, and the old rivalry 
between Wilkesbarre and Kingston, or, more extensively, between 
the east and west sides of the river, was, by the magnitude of the 
subject excited to a pitch that absorbed for a time, almost exclusively, 
the public attention. An intelligent committee of impartial men was 
demanded of the Assembly to settle the dispute. 

Another matter created no little excitement among the ambitious 
men. Rumours had reached Wyoming, that the Assembly intended 
to appoint to some of the more elevated judicial offices, certain persons 
not inhabitants of the Valley, but chosen from that part of the State 
east of New York. 

Voted, as instructions to Messrs. Jenkins and Tripp. " If any 
person that is not an inhabitant of this town, should be nominated for 
an office in this county, that they immediately remonstrate against it 
in the most spirited manner, as unconstitutional, and an unprece- 
dented thing in this colony in any former times." 

The county town was established at Wilkesbarre, and the officers 
of the new county were selected from the town of Westmoreland. 

Scarce had the summer opened when a new cause of terror and 
distress was developed in the Valley. The small-pox (how justly this 
then deadly plague was dreaded, the present generation can form 
but a faint idea,) made its appearance. One of the most respected 
citizens returned from Philadelphia, was taken sick with the disease, 
and died.* Want of the advice and protecting influence of the 
numerous heads of families, away with the army, was sorely felt. 
But a town meeting was held, where wise and energetic measures 
wei'e adopted to obviate to the utmost of human power, the ill effects 
of the contagion. A pest house was established in each township 
or district, half a mile from any road, where persons were to resort 
for inoculation. No one in the settlement was to receive the infection 
except in one of these houses, nor unless by express warrant from an 
examining committee. A strict quarantine respecting persons con- 
nected with the pest houses was established, and regulations for the 
careful change of clothes. Physicians were prohibited from inocula- 
ting except in the places designated. How many deaths occurred 
from the contagion is not known, but the means adopted had the 
most salutary influence in quieting alarm, and preventing the spread 
of the fatal disorder. 

♦ Jeremiah Ross, father of our late distinguished fellow-citizen, General Wm. Ross. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. I97 

Throughout the proceedings of this year, schools appear to have 
engaged more than usual attention. State taxes, to go into the 
treasury at Hartford, were to be paid, county and town rates were 
levied, and yet the zeal for instruction was so unabated, that an 
additional tax of a penny in the pound was laid for free school 
purposes. Each township was also established as a legal school dis- 
trict, with power to rent the lands " sequestered by the Susquehanna 
Company therein, for the use of schools, and also receive of the school 
committee appointed by their town, their part of the county money, 
according to their respective rates." 

It is also due to the pleasing fact, that it should be distinctly re- 
corded, this year for the first time there was sent from Wyoming, a 
student to Yale College. 

Were we the eulogist, instead of the impartial historian of Wyoming, 
we might inquire with emphasis, if there before was a people, sur- 
rounded by external dangers, pestilence in the midst, a large portion 
of their natural protectors away in the public service, who ever 
exhibited so praiseworthy a zeal to diffuse the blessings of education 
among the rising generation 1 

We have before adverted to the fact, that Pennsylvania land- 
holders, masking their true character, came in, purchased a Connec- 
ticut right, and then denounced and undervalued the claim as of no 
validity. This was a mode of attack extremely annoying and diffi- 
cult to repel. Chapman's mill was in full and successful operation. 
A person by the name of Adonijah Stansbury, from the State of 
Delaware, purchased Chapman's interest, and was placed therefore 
by his business in instant communication with multitudes of people. 
It became soon apparent that Stansbury was a disguised enemy. 
Intelligent, plausible, active, he laughed at the pretended Connecticut 
claim openly as a folly, and derided it more secretly to some as an 
imposition. The good people had no other mill to grind for them, 
and the nuisance became insupportable and dangerous. Stansbury 
had violated no law, but except through the law there was no way 
to reach him. 

Voted at a town meeting, " that Col. Butler, Col. Denison and 
Maj. Judd, be a committee, (the high standing of the committee 
indicates the importance of the subject,) to write to the Connecticut 
Delegates, and give them a true character of Adonijah Stansbury, 
and the measures he has heretofore taken for the destruction of this 
settlement." 



198 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Stansbury disregarded the vote. More energetic measures be- 
came necessary, and as he owed no man in the town, an Indian, from 
the Oquago brought suit against him for a sum of money charged 
as being due on book, growing out of an ancient trade in horses. 
Active officers, and a willing court, found a heavy balance owing to 
the Indian. Suits accumulated.* A whole people had taken the 
law of him, and he found his position too warmly assailed to render 
it endurable. A young man, true to the Connecticut interest, happi- 
ly at this moment formed a matrimonial connection with Stansbury's 
daughter, an amiable lady, and purchased the mill of his father-in- 
law, who retired from the settlement. Trifling as the incident in 
itself may be regarded, it is deemed worthy of preservation as show- 
ing that the dispute respecting title, although it slumbered, was stil! 
alive, and as indicating the means taken by both parties, to maintain 
their respective claims, or to annoy their opponents. 

A more pleasing matter demands a passing notice. Surrounded 
by mountains, by a wide spreading wilderness, and by dreary 
wastes, shut out from all the usual sources of information, a people 
so inquisitive could not live in those exciting times without the 
news. Fortunately an old, torn, smoke-dried paper, has fallen into 
our possession, which shows that the people of Wyoming established 
a post to Hartford, to go once a fortnight and bring on the papers. 
A Mr. Prince Bryant was engaged as post-rider for nine months. 



* Civil suits were not alone resorted to. The following paper has its interest as casting 
light upon the mode of proceeding with disaffected persons, as well as its direct reference to 
the case of Stansbury. 

" CITATIOX." 

To Adonijah Stansbury, (and two others) all of Westmoreland: You and each of 
you being suspected of toryism, and subverting the Constitution, and endeavouring to betray 
the inhaliilants of this town into the hands of their enemies, etc. 

You and each of you are hereby required without any manner of excuse to make your 
personal appearance before the committee of inspection for the town of Westmoreland, at 
the house of Solomon Johnson, Inn-holder in said town, on Wednesday the 3rd of instant, 
January, at 10 o'clock in the morning, then and there to answer unto divers complaints 
whereof you are suspected as above ; hereof fail not, as you will answer the contrary at the 
peril of the displeasure of the public. 

By order of the Chairman. 

ANDERSON DANA, Clerk. 
To any indifferent person to serve, and return." 

On the trial. Garret Brinkerhoor sailh, " that some time after Stansbury bought the mills 
of Chapman, he said he did not intend to pay any more for said mills, and he would go to 
Pennsylvania and make it appear that Chapman had no right to the lands." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 199 

More than fifty subscribers remain to the paper, which evidently 
must have been more numerous as it is torn in the centre. The 
sums given varied from one to two dollars each. In the list we find 
Elijah Shoemaker, Seth Marvin, 

Elias Church, Obadiah Gore, 

George Dorrance, James Stark, 

Nathan Kingsley, Anderson Dana, 

Elisha Blackman, Jeremiah Ross, 

Nathan Denison, Zebulon Butler. 

Payment for the papers was of course a separate matter. It may 
well be questioned, whether there is another instance in the States, 
of a few settlers, especially as those at Wyoming were situated, 
establishing at their own expense, a post to bring them the news- 
papers, from a distance of two hundred and fifty miles ! 

It has been regarded as an amusing characteristic of the Yankees, 
that they never failed in ancient times, to give any man the title 
which he might claim, from the Governor of a colony, down to a 
Sergeant of a company. A quotation from the Westmoreland re- 
cords will show that the practice was strictly adhered to by the 
emigrants from Connecticut. 

"December, 1777, voted, that Capt. William Worden, Ensign 
Daniel Downing, Lieut. Daniel Gore, Capt. Nathaniel Landon, Capt. 
Jeremiah Blanchard, Lieut. Aaron Gaylord, Silas Parke, Esq., Isaac 
Tripp, Esq., Capt. Stephen Harding, Capt. John Franklin, be fence 
viewers for the ensuing year. The list contains two or three others 
without titles. 

" December 30, voted by this town, to grant one penny on the 
pound as an addition to the two penny tax, granted August 6." 
Three pence on the pound, on an assessment of iS20,000 would yield 
^350, |830. The town also vote to lend the county forty pounds. 

During the summer active measures were in progress to place the 
settlement in the best posture of defence the circumstances of the 
people would admit. By detachments the people worked on the 
several forts; built upon a larger scale, and with greater strength, 
but in the same manner as those of Forts Ogden and Durkee. That 
at Wilkesbarre occupied the ground on which the Court House now 
stands. The venerable Maj. Eleazer Blackman says: "I was then 
a boy of about thirteen, but was called on to work in the fortifi- 
cations. With spade and pick I could not do much, but I could 
drive oxen and haul logs." Every sinew from childhood to old age 
was thus put in requisition. 



200 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

A system had been established by which scouts were sent up the 
river, to watch the Indian paths, and bring intelligence. Each party 
of five or seven, was generally absent a week, but their numbers, 
and the frequency of their tours of duty were increased as emergen- 
cies seemed to require. 

Parties of Indians were occasionally heard of at no great distance, 
but they abstained from violence, except so far as to take off pri- 
soners. Up to this time, they had committed no murder and burnt 
no dwelling. It is not doubted, that by profound policy, it was 
their wish the settlement should be lulled into security, that the com- 
panies of Durkee and Ransom might not be recalled, but the Valley 
left exposed, and reserved as a cherished victim for another cam- 
paign, when the main body of the Six Nations, now engaged in the 
northeast, in aid of Burgoyne, should be at liberty to detach a force 
competent to the certain destruction of the settlement. 

An intercommunication it was known, or not doubted, was kept 
up between the disaffected settlers on the river, from near Tunkhan- 
nock to the Wyalusing, with the Indians at Tioga and Newtown, 
and the British at Niagara. Lieut. Asa Stevens was detached by 
the Committee of Inspection, with nine men, who returned bringing 
in five suspected persons, as prisoners. Lieut. John Jenkins having, 
as the commander of a scouting party, extended his march as far up 
as Wyalusing, (near the centre of Westmoreland,) was taken pri- 
soner by a band of Indians and Tories. Three men were taken with 
him, a Mr. Yorke, Lemuel Fitch, and an old man, named Fitzgerald, 
The Indians and their allies, placed Fitzgerald on a flax-brake, and 
told him he must renounce his rebel principles, and declare for the 
King, or die. " Well," said the stouthearted, old fellow, " I am old 
and have little time to live, anyhow ; and I had rather die now a 
friend to my country, than live ever so long and die a tory !" They 
had magnanimity enough to let him go ; but took the other three 
to Canada. 

As Lieut. Jenkins was, himself, an active officer, and the son of 
one of the most distinguished men in Wyoming, the father having 
several times been chosen member of Assembly, a proposal was mads 
and accepted, to exchange him for an Indian chief, then a prisoner 
in Albany. Under an Indian escort he was sent to that city, and 
when they arrived, it was found the chief had recently died of the 
small-pox. The rage of the young Indians, who had escorted him, 
could scarcely be restrained. They would have tomahawked Lieut. 
Jenkins on the spot, had they not been forcibly prevented. They 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 201 

demanded that he should return with them. To have done so, would 
have been exposing him to certain death, probably lingering torture. 
But he was released, and instantly repaired to his post of duty. 
These were the first prisoners taken from Wyoming. 

On an important occasion, a scouting party of thirty men under 
the command of Capt. Asaph Whittlesy, ventured up as far as Stand- 
ing Stone, within twenty-five miles of the north line of Westmore- 
land. The Rev. Benjamin Bidlack, then a young man of twenty, 
who was out on this expedition, gives this picture of Wyoming, at 
that time. The young and active men were employed upon scout- 
ing parties, to guard the inhabitants from being surprised. Some 
portion of the militia was constantly on duty. It was necessary, as 
the able bodied men were away with the army, and the country so 
exposed. But the old men formed themselves into companies, and 
performed duty in the forts. Those companies of ancient men were 
called Reformados. Capt. Wm. H. Smith, (who acted also as physi- 
cian and surgeon,) commanded one in Wilkesbarre, of which Elisha 
Blackman was lieutenant. The father of Mr. Bidlack commanded 
another in Plymouth. 

In the mean time, Ransom and Durkee were stationed near the 
lines, between the two armies, in New Jersey ; Washington, by his 
brilliant achievements at Trenton and Princeton, having wrested the 
western portion of that State from the hands of the enemy. They 
were termed " the two Independent Companies of Westmoreland," 
and kept from being incorporated with any corps or regiment, the 
intention being, it is not doubted, to order without unnecessary delay, 
their return to the duty for which they had been enlisted. 

After joining the army, the first time they were under fire, was on 
the 20th of January, 1777, at the aflTair, or battle, at Millstone, one 
of the most gallant and successful actions, considering the numbers 
engaged, that was fought during the war. 

" When Gen. Washington's army was hutted near Morristown," 
says Rogers, " and laboring under that fatal malady, the small-pox, 
a line of posts was formed along the Millstone river, in the direc- 
tion of Princeton. One of these, established at Somerset Court 
House, was occupied by Gen. Dickinson, with a few hundred- men," 
(consisting of Durkee and Ransom's Independent Companies, from 
Wyoming, mustering about one hundred and sixty, and three hun- 
dred militia.) Not very distant, and on the opposite bank of the 
stream, stood a mill, in which a considerable quantity of flour had 
been collected for the use of our troops. At this time. Lord Corn- 



202 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

wallis lay at Brunswick, and having received information of this 
depot, immediately despatched a large foraging party, amounting to 
about four hundred men, and upwards of forty wagons, drawn by 
imported horses, of the English draft-breed, for the purpose of taking 
possession of it. The British troops arrived at the mill early in the 
morning, and having loaded the wagons with flour, were about to 
march on their return, when Gen. Dickinson, with an inferior force, 
which he led through the river, middle deep, attacked them with so 
much spirit and effect that they fled, abandoning the whole of their 
plunder." 

The Mill Stone victory was, to their latest day, a darling theme 
with the old soldiers. By the unanimous declaration of those en- 
gaged, the attack was impetuous and well sustained. An order to 
charge was responded to with enthusiasm. Nor did the British 
yield the ground without a manly, though ineffectual resistance, 
The enemy retired in confusion, leaving to the victors a handsome 
booty, consisting of forty-seven wagons, and more than an hundred 
horses. Each man shared several dollars of prize money, and Capt. 
Ransom sent one of the wagons to his farm, at Wyoming, as a 
trophy. Nor was the victory achieved without loss. Several were 
killed, and a greater number wounded. Among the former, Porter, 
a gallant young fellow, the pride of Ransom's company, was cut 
down by a cannon ball. 

His Excellency, Gen. Washington, in a letter to the President of 
Congress, dated Morristown, January 22d, 1777, gives this account 
of the occurrence. 

" My last to you was on the 20th instant. Since that, I have the 
pleasure to inform you that Gen. Dickinson, with about four hun- 
dred militia, has defeated a foraging party of the enemy, of an equal 
number, and has taken forty wagons, and upwards of an hundred 
horses, most of them of the English draft-breed, and a number of 
sheep and cattle which they had collected. The enemy retreated 
with so much precipitation, that Gen. Dickinson had only an oppor- 
tunity of making nine prisoners. They were observed to carry off" 
a great many dead and wounded in light wagons. This action hap- 
pened near Somerset Court House, on Millstone river. Gen. Dick- 
inson's behaviour reflects the highest honour on him ; for though his 
troops were all raw, he led them through the river middle deep, and 
gave the enemy so severe a charge, that although supported by three 
field pieces, they gave w^ay, and left their convoy." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 203 

Gen. Lincoln's letter and Col. Butler's reply, will show the posi- 
tion of the companies, in May. 

" Bound Brook, May 27th, 1777. 
" Sir, — It is His Excellency, General Washington's orders, that 
you march immediately with the three detachments from Connecti- 
cut regiments, and the two companies of Wyoming men, to Chatham, 
there to take Gen. Stephens' orders, if there — if not, you will send 
to Head Quarters for directions. 

" I am your humble servant, 

"B. Lincoln." 

" Chatham, May 29th, 1777. 

" Pursuant to orders received from your Excellency, by the hand 
of Major-General Lincoln, 1 have marched with the detachments 
from the Connecticut regiment, and a few of the Westmoreland Inde- 
pendent companies, and expect more of them will join me this day, and 
am now encamped upon the heights between Chatham and Spring- 
field. I find Gen. Stephens has gone from this place, and no orders 
can be obtained from him, as I expected. My Quarter-Master waits 
on your Excellency, by my directions, to know your Excellency's 
pleasure concerning my detachment. 

" Many soldiers in the Independent Companies have received no 
clothes since they entered the service, and are almost naked. Many 
ot their arms are useless, and some of them lost. They are also des- 
titute of tents, and every kind of camp equipage. I hope your Ex- 
cellency will give special directions how they are to be supplied with 
those articles. I am, with the greatest esteem, 

" Your Excellency's most obedient 
" His Excellency " Humble servant, 

" Gen. Washington. " Z. Butler." 

The companies were at Bound brook, at Brandywine, at German- 
town, and at Mud Fort. At that terrible bombardment, Lieut. Spald- 
ing commanded a detachment of Ransom's company. Almost every 
shot from the British tore through the fort, and the men fell on every 
side. A soldier of Spalding's threw himself flat on the ground. 
" No body" he said " can stand this !" " Get up, my good fellow," 
said Spalding, coolly, " I should hate to have to run you through — 
you can stand it, if I can ;" and the man returned cheerfully to his 
duty. Constant Matthewson, who was with Spalding, a brave man 
and excellent soldier, a fine intelligent fellow, was blown to pieces 
by a cannon ball. Sickness carried off several. The two brothers, 



204 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Sawyers, died of camp distemper. Porter was killed — Spencer and 
Gaylord died ; and three or four were reported as discharged or 
missing. The company of Ransom, in October, 1777, mustered still 
sixty-two. 

The wealth and revenue of this infant colony, presents an interest- 
ing topic of inquiry. Before us is a warrant to Mr. John Dorrance, 
to collect the State tax for 1778; but as it is based on the assess- 
ment of 1777, this seems to be a fitting place to introduce it to 
the reader's notice. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 



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206 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

It will be observed that the tax may be collected in Continental 
money, but at whatever depreciation, the sum must be made equal 
to " two thousand and thirty-two pounds, five shillings, lawful money 
(of Connecticut) that is, f 6,667. 

Without a remark from our pen, surprise, we are sure, will be ex- 
cited, that a sum so considerable, or indeed any sum, should be de- 
manded of Wyoming, for the general purposes of the State treasury 
at Hartford. 

The whole assessment of the State amounted to £1,929,000, say, 
in round numbers, two millions. The assessment of Westmoreland 
to £20,332 ; say 20,000 — so that the proportion of the town to the 
whole State was just about as 1 to 100. So too the population. 
Connecticut was estimated to contain two hundred and thirty thou- 
sand inhabitants. Westmoreland about two thousand three hun- 
dred, or again, as 1 to 100. The quota of troops demanded of Con- 
necticut was three thousand two hundred and twenty-eight — the 
proportion then of Wyoming should have been the one hundredth 
part, (if indeed a frontier so exposed should have spared a man,) 
that would have been thirty-two. But the Wyoming companies 
still mustered one hundred and twenty-four — Gore and Strong's men 
thirty-six — making one hundred and sixty, five times the just pro- 
portion, admitting the State's quota to have been complete. But, 
from the urgent requisitions of Congress and the complaints of His 
Excellency, Gen. Washington, it appears none of the quotas of the 
States were kept much more than half full. Allow that of Connecti- 
cut to have been two thirds filled, then the number would have been 
two thousand one hundred and fifty-two. Wyoming, to have sent 
in proportion, should have had twenty -one men in service — but she 
had about one hundred and sixty, so that in fact the settlement sent 
eight times its just number. Admitting the thirteen colonies to 
have had a population of about three millions, then as Wyoming 
was nearly a thousandth part of the whole, the whole should have 
furnished to the army a thousand times as many men, that is 
160,000. 

While these calculations exhibit the great eflforts made by Wyo- 
ming, they also show the powerful motives operating on the Govern- 
ment of Connecticut, to detain the two companies in the army. The 
relief to her was exceeding great and manifest. Accordingly they 
were numbered as a part of her quota, and their return, notwith- 
standing the solemn pledge at their enlistment, could not be com- 
plied with. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 207 

A brief recapitulation may give distinctness to the reader's view. 
As the three years of war, from 1769 to '71, should not be counted, 
the colony was now in the sixth year of its age. Nearly all their 
able bodied men were away in the service. The remaining popula- 
tion in dread of the Savages were building six forts, or stockades 
requiring great labour, and "without fee, or reward." All the aged 
men, out of the train bands, exempt by law from duty, were formed 
into companies to garrison the forts, one of the Captains being also 
Chief Physician to the people, and Surgeon to the military. Of the 
militia, the whole were in constant requisition to go on the scout, 
and guard against surprise. The small pox pestilence was in every 
district. A tax to go to Hartford was levied on the assessment of 
the year, of two thousand pounds ! ! 

Such is the picture of Wyoming for 1777 ; but before we close 
the view, allow us to copy a heart touching resolve from the pro- 
ceedings of a town meeting " legally warned," holden December 30. 

John Jenkins, Esq., was chosen moderator for the work of the day. 

" Voted by this town, that the committee of inspection be em- 
powered to supply the Sogers' wives, and the Sogers' widows, and 
their families, with the necessaries of life." 

Let it be engraved on plates of silver ! Let it be printed in letters 
of gold ! Challenge Rome in her Rebublican glory, or Greece in her 
Democratic pride, to produce, the circumstances considered, an act 
more generous and noble. 



LETTEE XYIL 



1778. Sketch — New oath of allegiance— Established prices, (curious) — Women of Wyo- 
ming — Scene darkens — Meditated invasion — Alarm — Congress orders a third company to 
be raised — Wm. Crooks murdered — Miner Robins shot — Indian spy — Inexplicable delay of 
Congress — Independent companies withheld — Wyoming defenceless — Vote of Congress — 
Reorganization of independent company — The four pounder — Bold and impudent treachery 
and deception of Congress by the Indians — Invasion — Murder of the Hardings, and Had- 

sells — Col. Z. Butler called to the command — "Wintermoot's Fort surrendered Fort 

Jenkins surrendered — Summons of Forty Fort — Array — Battle — Defeat — Dreadful mas- 
sacre — Bloody ring — Soul stirring incidents — Cruel torture. 



The first bright beams of a January sun, leading up the new year, 
lighted a scene at Wyoming of white and cold and placid beauty. 
Hill and valley were clad in virgin snow. Smoke rose, curling to 
the skies from hundreds of cottages. Barns surrounded by stacks 
of wheat showed that the staff of life was abundant. Cattle and 
sheep foddered from stacks in the meadow, or sheltered in rude 
sheds, sleek and thriving, gave evidence that they shared in the 
super-abounding plenty of these fertile plains. The deep mouthed 
watch-dog barked fiercely as the sled, drawn by a smart span of 
horses, with gingling bells and its merry load of girls and lads, going 
to some quilting, singing meeting, wedding, or other merry-making, 
passed swiftly by. The " sogers' wives, and the sogers' widows" 
were well provided for. Coffee was little known, but the fragrant 
and exhilarating cup of tea graced the table, on which smoked the 
buck-wheat cake, and the luscious honey-comb, the venison steak, 
and well preserved shad. If, perchance, a furlough had allowed 
some of Ransom and Durkee's men to visit their wives and little 
ones, the broiled chicken, the well fatted roasting pig, or the deli- 
cious turkey, bade them a thousand times welcome. Neighbours 
would flock in to hear — how they whipped the British at Millstone, 
and took an hundred horses ! How Porter, poor fellow, and the 
gallant Matthewson, were cut in two by cannon balls. How Gen. 
Washington (" and did you see Gen. Washington ? would, in the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 209 

enthusiasm that beloved name inspired, burst from a dozen tongues.) 
How Gen. Washington, at Germantown, rode right into the mouths 
of the British cannon, as it were. The wearied scouts would come 
in, while others set off on tours of duty, creating little excitement, 
as no immediate danger impended, all seeming quiet above. Mean- 
while the flail sounded merrily on the threshing floor — the flax- 
break and hatchell were in active requisition — the spinning wheel 
buzzed its round — while the shuttle sped its rapid flight. The 
arrival of the postman from Hartford created a sensation throughout 
the whole settlement. Such was the dawning of 1778 upon Wyo- 
ming, as pictured to the writer by a grey-headed survivor from 
that day. 

Burgoyne had surrendered. It was a happy event, but many of 
the sagacious old men feared that the Indians, released from service 
in the northeast, would now turn their dreaded arms upon the south- 
ern and western frontiers ; and who so hated, or exposed, as the peo- 
ple on the Susquehanna. 

Under the recent law, requiring, since the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, a new oath of allegiance to the State of Connecticut, in- 
stead of the King, one hundred and forty-nine freemen had been 
sworn in and recorded, beginning with the name of Nathan Deni- 
son, Esq., in the previous September, in open town meeting, and now, 
April 13, 1778, one hundred and twenty more appeared, and took 
the oath of fidelity ; making in all two hundred and sixty-nine. 
John Dorrance was chosen Collector of the State Tax. 
Nathan Denison and Anderson Dana, were elected members to 
the Assembly, to be holden at Hartford, in May. 

On the 21st of April, another town meeting was warned, and 
prices fixed on articles of sale and service of labour, in accordance 
with a recommendation of the Legislature. To gratify the curious, 
we will quote twenty items : — 

Good yarn stockings, a pair, - - - - 10 s. 

Laboring women, at spinning, a week, - - 6 s. 

Winter-fed beef, a pound, - . , _ 7 </. 

Taverners, for dinner, of the best, per meal, - 2 s. 

Metheglin, per gallon, 7 s. 

Beaver skins, per pound, 18 s. 

Shad, a piece, - 6d. 

Beaver hats, of the best, 4 /. 

Ox work, for two oxen, per day, and tackling, - 3 s. 

Good hemp-seed, a bushel, 15 s. 

14 



210 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Men's labour, at farming, the three summer months, 

pay day, - - - - - - - 5 s. Sd. 

Good check flannel, yard wide, - - - - 8 s. 

Good tow and linen, yard wide, - - - - 6 s. 

Good white flannel, do. . . - . 5 s. 

The above to be woven in a 36 reed, etc. 

Tobacco, in hank or leaf, per pound, - ■ - 9 d. 

Taverners, for mug of flip, with two gills of rum in it, 4 s. 

Good barley, per bushel, ----- 8 s. 

Making, and setting, and shoeing horse all round, 8s.f 1 33 

Eggs, per doz., 8 d. 

Strong beer, by the barrel, . - - . 2 1. 

From which we deduce several conclusions, namely : — That shad 
and eggs were plenty, as they were cheap — that tobacco, hemp 
and barley were extensively cultivated, and articles of considerable 
traffic — that the once popular, but now exploded, flip, had been 
introduced from New England, a most agreeable but pernicious 
beverage — that the luxury of beaver hats, costing more than thirteen 
dollars, had become fashionable, indicating considerable wealth — 
that metheglin was manufactured for sale, and therefore honey was 
abundant — that, in conclusion, the prices fixed to more than an 
hundred articles, are proof of extensive production, trade and pros- 
perity. 

An ancient document, of great interest, was found among the 
papers of Anderson Dana, Esq., being the Commission from the 
General Assembly and Governer of Connecticut, fixing the judicial 
establishment of Westmoreland for 1778, as was the annual custom. 
The names of judges and justices, with those of Governor Trumbull, 
and Secretary Wyllys, only are in manuscript, the remainder being 
printed. It is in perfect preservation, except that a few words of the 
printed matter are defaced by frequent folding. We insert it. 



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212 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Justice and gratitude demand a tribute to the praiseworthy spirit 
of the wives and daughters of Wyoming. While their husbands and 
fathers were on public duty, they cheerfully assumed a large portion 
of the labour, which females could do. They assisted to plant, 
made hay, husked and garnered the corn. As the settlement was 
mainly dependent on its own resourses for powder, Mr. Hollenback 
caused to be brought up the river, a pounder ; and the women took 
up their floors, dug out the earth, put it in casks, and run water 
through it, (as ashes are leached). Then took ashes, in another cask, 
and made ley — mixed the water from the earth with weak ley, 
boiled it, set it to cool, and the saltpetre rose to the top. Char- 
coal and sulphur were then used, and powder produced for the pub- 
lic defence.* 

Early in the Spring, Congress were apprised of a meditated 
attack on Wyoming. From Niagara, and the Indisn country adja- 
cent to, and within the town of Westmoreland, rumour followed 
rumour, that the British and Indians were preparing an expedition 
for the destruction of the settlement. Defenceless as the position 
y^was known to be, and exasperated as the enemy were, by the efforts 
I of the people in the cause of Independence, nothing could be more 
I probable than such a design. The only considerable post above 
the Blue Ridge, Wyoming was an important barrier between the 
Savages and the German settlements below those mountains ; and 
could that place be desolated, bands of the enemy could easily pene- 
trate the Great Swamp, and make incursions into Northampton and 
Berks, and immediately after striking a blow, hide themselves in 
those almost impend rable forests, withdrawing thereby, those nume- 
rous and useful levies of men and provisions, which those populous 
and patriotic counties yielded to the army of his Excellency. Inde- 
pendent, therefore, of a just regard to the pledge noticed, and with- 
out considering the interests of the people, policy would seem to have 
dictated the taking early and ample measures to defend Wyoming. 
Gen. Schuyler wrote to the Board of War on the subject. The 
officers and men earnestly plead and remonstrated, that their fami- 
lies, left defenceless, were now menaced with invasion, and adverted 
to the terms of their enlistment. History affords no parallel of the 
pertinacious detention of men under such circumstances. Treachery 

* Mrs. Bertha Jenkins. The statement of this lady, at the age of eighty-four, giving an 
account of the process of obtaining saltpetre, shows that it was a familiar and common trans- 
action. We have been more particular in the quotation, as the fact is remarkable, showing 
that even powder was not furnished them. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 2l3 

is not for a moment to be lisped, and yet the malign influence of the 
policy pursued, and the disastrous consequences, could not have 
been aggravated, if they had been purposely M'ithheld. Nothing 
could have been more frank and confiding, more brave and generous, 
than the whole conduct of the Wyoming people from the beginning 
of the contest ; and it is saying little to aver that they deserved, 
both at the hands of Congress and Connecticut, a different requital. 
Connecticut could ill spare them. To her, they were inestimable. 
Mercy, justice, and policy, plead in vain. 

All the Indians in the Valley had been recalled; and several white 
persons from Tunkhannock and Wyalusing, had joined the enemy. 

In this state of things. Congress again interposed its authority for 
the protection of Wyoming. March 16th, 1778, " Resolved, That 
one full company of foot, be raised in the town of Westmoreland, on 
the east bank of the Susquehanna, for the defence of the said town, 
and the settlement on the frontiers, and in the neighborhood thereof, 
against the Indians and the enemies of these States; the said com- 
pany to be enlisted to serve one year from the time of their enlisting, 
unless sooner discharged by Congress." 

Several reflections arise out of this extraordinary resolution. In 
the first place, it establishes the fact that Congress was apprised of the 
danger from Indians, early in March, for it is predicated on a re- 
port of the Board of War, of a previous date, and had been some 
time under consideration. 2d. It is difficult to conceive how a com- 
pany, then to be enlisted from among the inhabitants, could add any 
strength to the defence ; for if at all, the enemy would probably 
come before they would have time to be disciplined, and a company, 
so enlisted, would not increase the force a single man. After so many 
had enlisted, and were away with the army, it sounds strange and 
almost unnatural to assume that more could be spared from the pur- 
poses of agriculture, the scout, and social protection ! 

But Wyoming seems to have been doomed by a selfishness, which 
cannot be designated except by terms which respect forbids us to 
employ. 

The resolution proceeds — " That the company find their own arms, 
accoutrements, and blankets." But the difficulty was in obtaining 
them. Durkee and Ransom's men had armed themselves, and from 
the scant supply in the Valley, had taken away the best. Indivi- 
dual enterprise had been able, very imperfectly, to supply the de- 
ficiency. 



214 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

In the month of May, scouting parties began to be met by those of 
the enemy, who hovered around the settlements at a distance of 
twenty miles, seeming intent to prevent all communication with the 
upper country, and it is presumed to cut off all chance of learning the 
preparations making for the descent, rather than to do mischief No 
families were attacked — no houses burned. Shots were exchanged 
rarely, as the enemy rather kept aloof than courted battle ; but one 
of the Wyoming men, William Crooks, coming out of a house near 
Tunkhannock, abandoned by John Secord, who had gone to the 
enemy, was shot dead at the door. This was the first life taken at 
Westmoreland by the Indians. 

A few days afterwards a party of six, out on duty, were fired 
upon about four miles below Tunkhannock. Miner Robbins, and 
Joel Phelps were wounded ; but regaining their canoes, escaped down 
the river. Robbins lingered until the next day, and died. Phelps 
recovered. These incidents increased the alarm already distractingly 
painful. But an event soon occurred of more exciting importance. 
Two Indians, formerly residents of Wyoming, and acquainted with 
the people, came down with their squaws on a visit, professing w'arm 
friendship; but suspicions existed that they were spies, and direc- 
tions were given that they should be carefully watched. An old 
companion of one of them, with more than Indian cunning, pro- 
fessing his attachment to the natives, gave his visiter drink after drink 
of his favorite rum, when, in confidence, and the fulness of his 
maudlin heart, he avowed that his people were preparing to cut 
off" the settlement, the attack to be made soon, and that they had 
come dov/n to see and report how things were. The squaws were 
dismissed, but the two Indians arrested, and confined in Forty Fort. 
Now the distress and alarm rose almost to phrenzy. To remain so 
entirely exposed, to have their throats cut, and their children's 
brains dashed out by the savages, without an effort for protection, 
was not to be endured. 

Dethick Hewitt had been appointed captain to enlist the new conti- 
nental company, but the order was looked upon as little better 
than a mockery. The people in the outer settlements fled to the 
forts ; and the wives of the soldiers sent messages, calling upon 
them, by every tender tie, to come home and protect them. Still 
Congress and Connecticut, with more than Egyptian obstinacy, 
would not let the companies depart. Beyond all question they 
ought, as early as May, to have been ordered to Wyoming. Almost 



< 

HISTORY OF WYOMING. 215 

instantly, on hearing this last news, the companies became nearly 
disorganized. Every commissioned officer but two resigned, and 
more than twenty-five of the men, with or without leave, left the 
ranks, and hastened to the Valley. Imperious necessity, above all 
earthly law, consecrated the deed. That they did not all return 
shows the influence of discipline and their love of order. 

Congress, by these measures, was compelled to interpose. On the 
23d of June, only seven days before the arrival of the enemy, they 
resolved, " that the two Independent Companies lately commanded 
by the two captains, Durkee and Ransom, which were raised in the 
town of Westmoreland, be united, and form one company." 

A preamble states that the number of men remaining was eighty-six, 
non-commissioned officers and privates. The two commissioned 
officers, made eighty-eight. Battle, sickness, and the vicissitudes of 
war, had reduced the companies to about sixty men each — of course 
nearly thirty must have returned on leave given, or assumed. 

Simon Spaulding, a valuable officer, was appointed captain, Timo- 
thy Pierce and Phineas Pierce, lieutenants. The Board of War di- 
rected, (it is believed) the new company to march to Lancaster, and 
soon after, but too late, to Wyoming. 

A vote was also passed that Hewitt's men should receive pay 
for their arms, accoutrements and blankets, but so tardy was the 
order, that few of them lived to hear of the benevolent design. 

The concentration of the enemy at Newtown and Tioga, (the 
latter a part of Westmoreland town,) and the preparation of boats 
and canoes, being known, every man who could bear arms, was 
called into service, and trained. Two deserters from the British army 
were in the Valley, one by the name of Pike, who had fled from Bos- 
ton several years before ; the other named Boyd, a fine active young 
fellow, from Canada. The latter, a serjeant, was particularly useful 
in training the militia. Large bodies were sent up the river as 
scouts, and as the Yankee woodsmen, crossing the streams on fallen 
trees, would run over the roaring flood with the agility of a wild 
cat, the two foreigners, sitting astride on the log, hitching themselves 
awkwardly across, excited great merriment among their companions.* 
Both these names will appear conspicuously on another page. The 
forts were now filled with women and children. Every company of 
the militia was ordered to be ready at a moment's warning, — all 
was bustle and anxiety. Care sat on every brow, and fear on many 

* " In sorrow's cup, still laughs the bubble joy." 



216 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

a heart too firm to allow a breath of apprehension to escape from 
the lips. The one and only cannon, the four pounder, was in Wilkes- 
barre Fort. Having no ball, it was kept as an alarm gun. The 
indispensable labours of the field were performed by armed men. 
Soon and certainly the attack would be made, was known ; but the 
precise time could not be calculated, for the enemy could descend 
the river slightly swollen, at the rate of five miles an hour, and 
could therefore be in the settlement in less than a day from leaving 
their rendezvous. So usually is there a rise of water in summer, 
that the " June fresh" is a familiar phrase, and had, it was supposed, 
been fixed upon for their embarkation. 

Leaving the lovely and unprotected Valley in all its blooming 
beauty, the fields waving with the burden of an abundant harvest, 
but the people, like a covey of partridges, cowering beneath a flock 
of blood-scenting vultures, that soared above, ready to pounce on 
their prey ; or like a flock of sheep huddled together in their pen, 
while the prowling wolves already sent their impatient howl across 
the fields, eager for their victims ; we proceed to state one of the 
most impudent attempts at treachery and deception, ever recorded. 
It is known the Indian prides himself on his cunning. It is equally 
honorable by stratagem to take a scalp, as by force. So secure were 
they of Wyoming, that the whole expedition seems to have been a 
matter of sport, a holiday gambol with the savages. The Senecas 
were the nation principally concerned in the expedition, although 
detachments from the Mohawks, and other tribes, accompanied them. 
While the enemy were concentrating at their rendezvous, a delega- 
tion of Seneca chiefs, daringly presuming on the stolidity of Con- 
gress, repaired to Philadelphia, ostensibly to negotiate, really to 
amuse, put them off" their guard, and prevent any troops being sent 
to the threatened frontier. Nor did the bold and dexterous chiefs 
leave the city, until the fatal blow was struck, as an extract from the 
journals will show. " July 8, 1778. — Resolved, That the Board of 
War be directed to send for the Seneca chiefs that have lately quitted 
Philadelphia, and inquire whether the Seneca Nation, as such, have 
committed hostilities against us." 

The chiefs refused to return. Why should they ? Their errand 
was accomplished ! A motion was made July 17, that General 
Schuyler be directed, " to take eff'ectual measures for detaining the 
Seneca chiefs at Albany," but it was decided in the negative. 

The enemy numbering about four hundred British provincials, 
consisting of Col. John Butler's Rangers, a detachment of Sir John 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 217 

Johnson's Royal Greens, the rest being Tories, from Pennsylvania, 
New Jersey and New York, together with six or seven hundred 
Indians, having descended the Susquehanna from Tioga Point, landed 
not far below the mouth of Bowman's Creek, on the west side of 
the river, in a north direction, about twenty miles above the Valley, 
(by the river, which here makes a large bend, the distance would 
have been nearly thirty miles.) Securing their boats they marched 
across the peninsula, and arrived on the western mountain, on the 
evening of the 29th, or morning of the 30th of June. At Fort Jenkins, 
the uppermost in the Valley, and only a mile above Wintermoot's, 
there were gathered the families of the old patriot, John Jenkins, Esq., 
the Hardings and Gardiners, distinguished for zeal, with others. Not 
apprised of the contiguity of the savages, on the morning of the 
SOth June, Benjamin Harding, Stukely Harding, John Harding, a 
boy, James Hadsell, James Hadsell, jr., Daniel Weller, John Gardi- 
ner and Daniel Carr, eight in all, took their arms and went up 
about three miles into Exeter, to their labour. Towards evening, 
at an hour when aid could not be expected, they were attacked. 
That they fought bravely was admitted by the enemy. Weller, 
Gardiner and Carr, were taken prisoners. James Hadsell, and his 
son James, Benjamin and Stukely Harding, were killed. John 
Harding, the boy, threw himself into the river, and lay under the 
willows, his mouth just above the surface. He heard with anguish 
the dying groans of his friends. Knowing he was near, the Indians 
searched carefully for him. At one time they were so close that he 
could have touched them. 

This was the opening of the campaign. 

Colonel Zebulon Butler, then at home, by common consent assumed 
the command of the Connecticut people. On the 1st of July he 
marched. Colonel Denison, and Lieut. Col. Dorrance, being also in 
command, with all his force, from Forty Fort to Exeter, w^here the 
murders of the preceding day had been perpetrated. The two 
Hardings, it appeared, must have contended to the last, for their arms 
and faces were much cut, and several spear holes were made through 
their bodies. Instead of shooting, it is probable the intention was 
to take them prisoners. All were scalped, and otherwise mutilated. 
Two Indians, who were watching the dead, expecting that friends 
might come to take away the bodies, and they might obtain other 
victims, were shot; one where he sat, the other in the river to 
which he had fled. Zebulon Marcy's rifle, it was supposed, killed 
one of them, and subsequently, he was waylaid and hunted for 



218 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

several years, a brother of the Indian killed, swearing he would 
have revenge. The bodies were removed and decently interred 
near Fort Jenkins, where many years after, Elisha Harding, Esq., 
caused a stone to be raised to their memory, with this inscription : — 

" Sweet be the sleep of those who prefer death to slavery.'' 

After Colonel Z. Butler returned, Colonel John Butler, passing 
through a notch in the mountain, near Wintermoots, took possession 
of the fort without opposition. Mr. Daniel IngersoU, who was pre- 
sent, on learning the approach of the enemy, began to prepare for re- 
sistance, and his wife seized a pitchfork to aid, but the Wintermoots 
gave them to understand Colonel Butler would be at home there, 
and IngersoU found himself a prisoner. This fort, beautifully situ- 
ated on the upper river flat, from which gushed an abundant spring 
of pure water, was admirably calculated for the convenience of 
the enemy, for whose special purpose it was erected. The Winter- 
moots had built it amid the suspicions of their neighbours, and 
without their consent, but had, at the same time, in other respects 
conducted so discreetly as to give no ground for arresting them.* 

The same evening, a detachment under the command of Capt. 
Caldwell was sent to reduce Fort Jenkins. Originally, the garrison 
consisted of seventeen, mostly old men ; four of whom were slain, and 
three made prisoners, so that no means of resistance being left, the 
stockade capitulated. 

Early the next morning, Mr. IngersoU was sent under an escort of 
one white man and one Indian, to Col. Zebulon Butler, demanding 
the surrender of Forty Fort, and the Valley. 

On the morning of Friday, the 3d, Mr. IngersoU was again de- 
spatched from Wintermoot's to Forty Fort, accompanied as before, 

* An anecdote connected with this celebrated fort may be introduced here. Colonel John 
Jenkins made the place his own after the Revolutioa, and it descended to his heirs. Eight 
or ten years ago, a shrewd son-in-law of Col. J's, ia whose possession the property now is, 
was working on the flats below the spring, when a genteel stranger, mounted on a fine 
horse, rode up to the fence, alighted, looked eagerly round, and entered into conversation. He 
inquired for the spring — for the .situation and extent of the fort, and other localities. " You 
seem to be a stranger in this place V " Yes." " Yet you seem to know a good deal 
about it V " Something." " Have you any interest here 1" " My father formerly owned 
property here." Comprehending that the stranger was a Wintermoot, " I guess you don't 
own any now]" "No," answered the young man with a smile, seeing he was known and 
understood. His curiosity was gratified by every reasonable answer to his questions, when 
he mounted his horse and rode slowly away, turning every few moments, to take one more 
gaze at a spot, in regard to which, from infancy, he had heard his people speak with enthu- 
siasm, and who had left it with the reluctance that Adam bade farewell to Paradise. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 219 

by two attendants, one Indian and one white man, both as guards 
and spies. The motive was perfectly comprehended, and the duty 
only undertaken because it would have been death to refuse. His 
guards did not allow Ingersoll a word with Col. Butler, or Den- 
ison, out of their hearing. Effectual care was taken that he should 
communicate nothing that he had discovered while a prisoner. But 
his guides had, by this means, an opportunity to see, partially, the 
condition of the fort, the number, and more than either, the spirit 
and bearing of the Connecticut people. A surrender of all the forts, 
the public property, Hewett's company and the Valley, was the least 
that was demanded, and of course refused. On his return, Col. 
Z. Butler called a council of war, and opinions were freely expressed. 
Many, and among the rest, Col. Butler, Col. Denison, and Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Dorrance, were of opinion, that a little delay would 
be best — that the alarm of the sudden irruption would subside — that 
the absent militia companies would arrive, and that Capt. Spald- 
ing's company, supposed to be on its march, might be hoped for, and 
would be of great consequence — probably decisive of the issue. To 
these wise and weighty considerations, it was replied: — That the 
enemy had now been three days in the town — that they were fast 
carrying on their work of conquest and murder. Two forts had sur- 
rendered, and the cruel butchery of the Harding's, and their com- 
panions, was dwelt on. They would not be idle if we were disposed 
to be still. The Valley would be destroyed, piece-meal. All the 
craft in the upper part were in their possession. They could cross 
at Pittston, take that fort in spite of Capt. Blanchard, and murder 
the inhabitants. What then would prevent them from marching to 
any other point? Our little army could not be kept long together. 
Unless led to action, each man would fly to the protection of his own 
family. As to Spalding coming, no one doubted his hearty good 
will, but those who had detained him so long, would not be apt, 
now, to accelerate his coming. There was no certainty when he 
would arrive. We must depend on God and ourselves. To attack 
and defeat the enemy, was the only hope of salvation for the settle- 
ment. A large majority accorded with these sentiments ; and the 
minority, though with reluctance, finally yielded their assent, and 
some time after noon, the column, consisting of about three hundred 
men, old men, and boys, marched from the fort. The little army 
consisted of six regular companies : — 

1st. That of Capt. Dethic Hewitt, called regulars, but precisely 
like the rest of the militia, for they were just enlisted. He mustered 
about forty men. 



220 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

2d. Capt. Asaph Whittlesey's company, from Plymouth, consist- 
ing of forty-four men. 

Sd. Capt. William McKarrican's company, from Hanover, num- 
bering about forty men. Being also the schoolmaster, and little used 
to war, though a brave, active, and valuable man, he gave up the 
command to Capt. Lazarus Stewart ; Rosewell Franklin was his lieu- 
tenant. 

4th. The Lower Wilkesbarre company, commanded by Capt. 
James Bidlack, Jr., consisting of thirty-eight men. 

5th. The Upper Wilkesbarre company, commanded by Capt. 
Rezin Geer, smaller, but the number not known. 

6tb. The Kingston company, commanded by Capt. Aholiab Buck, 
lieutenant Elijah Shoemaker, second in command. 

In addition to those in the trainbands, the Judges of the Court, and 
all the civil officers who were near, went out. Many old men — some 
of them grandfathers — took their muskets and marched to the field. 
For instance, the aged Mr. Searle, of Kingston, was one. Having 
become bald, he wore a wig. Taking out his silver knee-buckles, 
he said to his family, " If I fall, I shall not need them. If I come 
back, thev will be safe here." — Nothing could have been more incon- 
gruous, more pitiably unfit, than the mingling of such aged men in 
the rough onset of battle. Dire was the necessity that comp'elled it. 
The old gentleman had a number of grandchildren. Several boys, 
from fourteen to sixteen, are known to have been on the field. There 
was a company at Pittston, of thirty or forty men, under Capt. Blan- 
chard, stationed at the fort, to guard the people gathered there. To 
leave them, and march to Forty Fort, would be to expose them to 
certain destruction, for the enemy were in sight, on the opposite 
bank of the river. Capt. Franklin's company, from Huntington and 
Salem, had not arrived. The other companies of the regiment were 
at Capouse, and at the "Lackaway" settlement, too far off to afford 
assistance. So that there were about two hundred and thirty 
enrolled men, and seventy old people, boys, civil magistrates, and 
other volunteers. 

Every movement of Col. Z. Butler was w^atched by a vigilant and 
wary foe. No sooner had the march commenced than the news was 
communicated to Col. John Butler, at Wintermoot's, who imme- 
diately despatched a messenger up to Fort Jenkins, for the party 
there, who were destroying the defences, to hasten down, for the 
Yankees were coming out to battle. This was between two and 
three o'clock. A few sentinels alone were left at Forty Fort ; and 
one of these by the name of Cooper, more brave than obedient to 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 221 

orders, said " Our people need all their strength on the field. If 
defeated or successful, my being here will do no good." And he 
hurried off to join his neighbours. 

Miss Bennett, (since Mrs. Myers,) was one of the crowd of women 
and children who had resorted to the Forty Fort. After the troops 
had been gone about half an hour, three men were seen, spurring 
their jaded horses up the road. As they came to the gate and dis- 
mounted, the sweat flowed from the panting flanks of their generous 
steeds. Two of them were Capt. Durkee and Lieut. Pierce. In a 
moment they learned the state of things. " We are faint — give us 
bread ; we have not broken our fasts to day." Such provisions as 
were at hand were placed before them. Pierce was a lieutenant in 
Capt. Spalding's company, then about forty miles oflf, through the 
Great Swamp. They had ridden nearly all night. Having snatched 
a morsel of food, they hastened to the field. 

Among many patriotic volunteers, justice requires that Anderson 
Dana, Esq., should be particularly mentioned. He had just returned 
from duty as a member of Assembly at Hartford. It is impossible 
that any man could have conducted with a more cheerful spirit, or 
a more animating zeal. Christopher Avery, Esq., one of the Justices 
of the Court, who had filled many important stations, and possessed 
a large share of public confidence, though exempt by law, took post 
beside his neighbours. Many officers are mentioned, who strictly 
held no command. Captains Durkee and Ransom were in the 
battle, and no doubt were referred to, and obeyed by the militia 
officers, but they held no official station. 

As the American troops approached Wintermoot's, they perceived 
that the fort was in flames. The motive for setting it on fire is not 
yet understood, probably to prevent its sudden assault and capture; 
probably to draw attention and conceal their number and move- 
ments. 

At this point there are two plains, the upper and lower flats, 
divided by a steep bank of about fifteen or -twenty feet in height ; 
the lower a rich sandy loam ; the upper a coarse gravel. The fort 
was on the bank dividing the two plains. 

Col. Z, Butler, on approaching the enemy, sent forward Captains 
Ransom and Durkee, Lieutenants Ross and Wells, as officers whose 
skill he most relied on, to select the spot, and mark off the ground 
on which to form the order of battle. On coming up, the column 
displayed to the left, and under those officers every company took 
its station, and then advanced in line to the proper position, where 



222 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

it halted, the right resting on the steep bank noted — the left extend- 
ing across the gravel flat to a morass, thick with timber and brush 
that separated the bottom land from the mountain. Yellow and 
pitch pine trees, with oak shrubs, were scattered all over the plain. 
On the American right was Capt. Bidlack's company. Next was 
Capt. Hewitt's, Daniel Gore being one of his Lieutenants. On the 
extreme left was Capt. Whittlesey's. Col. Butler, supported by 
Maj. John Garrett, commanded the right wing. Col. Denison, 
supported by Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, commanded the left. 
Such was the ground, and such the order of battle. Every thing 
was judiciously disposed, and conducted in a strictly military and 
prudent manner. Captains Durkee and Ransom, as experienced 
officers, in whom great confidence was placed, were stationed, Dur- 
kee with Bidlack on the right wing — Ransom with Whittlesey on 
the left. Col. Butler made a very brief address, just before he or- 
dered the column to display. " Men, yonder is the enemy. The 
fate of the Hardings tells us what we have to expect if defeated. 
We come out to fight, not only for liberty, but for life itself, and 
what is dearer, to preserve our homes from conflagration ; our wo- 
men and children from the tomahawk. Stand firm the first shock, 
and the Indians will give way. Every man to his duty." 

The column had marched up the road running near the bank on 
which our right rested. On its display, as Denison led off" his men, 
he repeated the expression of Col. Butler — " Be firm, every thing 
depends on resisting the first shock." 

The left of the enemy rested on Wintermoot's Fort, now on fire, 
and was commanded by Col. John Butler, who, divested of feathers 
and finery, appeared on the ground with a handkerchief tied on his 
head. A flanking party of Indian marksmen, were concealed araonor 
some logs and bushes under the bank. Johnson's Royal Greens, 
commanded by Capt. Caldwell, (if Johnson himself was not pre- 
sent,) formed on Butler's right. Indian marksmen filling the space 
between. The main body of the Indians, under Brandt, or Gi-en- 
gwah-toh,* formed the right wing, and extended to the morass or 
swamp. 

From Wintermoot's Fort, to the river in a straight line, was about 
eighty rods — To Menockasy island, over the low flats in a south di- 
rection about a mile. The weather clear and warm. 

♦ Gi-en-gwah-toh, a Seneca. " He who goes in the smoke." 

COL. STONE. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 223 

About four in the afternoon the battle began ; Colonel Z. Butler 
ordered his men to fire, and at each discharge to advance a step. 
Along the whole line the discharges were rapid and steady. It was 
evident, on the more open ground the Yankees were doing most 
execution. As our men advanced, pouring in their platoon fires with 
great vivacity, the British line gave way, in spite of all their offi- 
cers efforts to prevent it. The Indian flanking party on our right 
kept up from their hiding places a galling fire. Lieut. Daniel Gore 
received a ball through the left arm. " Captain Durkee," said he, 
" look sharp for the Indians in those bushes." Captain D. stepped 
to the bank to look, preparatory to making a charge and dislodging 
them, when he fell. On the British Butler's right, his Indian warriors 
were sharply engaged. They seemed to be divided into six bands, for 
a yell would be raised at one end of their line, taken up, and car- 
ried through, six distinct bodies appearing at each time to repeat 
the cry. As the battle waxed warmer, that fearful yell was re- 
newed again and again, with more and more spirit. It appeared to 
be at once their animating shout, and their signal of communication. 
As several fell near Col. Dorrance. one of his men gave way ; 
" Stand up to your work, sir," said he, firmly, but coolly, and the 
soldier resumed his place. 

For half an hour a hot fire had been given and sustained, when 
the vastly superior numbers of the enemy began to develope its 
power. The Indians had thrown into the swamp a large force, 
which now completely outflanked our left. It was impossible it 
should be otherwise : that wing was thrown into confusion. Col. 
Denison gave orders that the company of Whittlesey should wheel 
back, so as to form an angle with the main line, and thus present his 
front, instead of flank, to the enemy. The difficulty of performing 
evolutions, by the bravest militia on the field, under a hot fire, is 
well known. On the attempt the savages rushed in with horrid yells. 
Some had mistaken the order to fall back, as one to retreat, and 
that word, that fatal word, ran along the line. Utter confusion now 
prevailed on the left. Seeing the disorder, and his own men be- 
ginning to give way, Col. Z. Butler threw himself between the fires 
of the opposing ranks, and rode up and down the line in the most 
reckless exposure. " Don't leave me, my children, and the victory 
is ours." But it was too late. 

Still on the fated left, men stood their ground. "See," said Wes- 
tover to George Cooper, " our men are all retreating, shall we go ?" 



224 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" I'll have one more shot first," was his reply. At that moment a 
ball struck a tree just by his head, and an Indian springing towards 
him with his spear. Cooper drew up his rifle and fired, the Indian 
sprung several feet from the ground, and fell prostrate on his face. 
" Come," said Westover. " I'll load first," replied Cooper — and it 
is probable this coolness saved them, for the great body of the savages 
had dashed forward after the flying, and were far in their rear. 

On the right, one of his officers said to Captain Hewitt, " The 
day is lost — see the Indians are sixty rods in our rear, shall we 
retreat ?" " I'll be d — d* if I do," was his answer. " Drummer 
strike up," cried he, and strove to rally his men. Every effort was 
vain. Thus he fought, and there he fell ! 

Every captain that led a company into action was slain, and in 
every instance fell on, or near the line. As was said of Bidlack, so 
of Hewitt, Whittlesey, and the others ; " they died at the head of 
their men." They fought bravely — every man and officer did his 
duty, but they were overpowered by three fold their force. In point 
of numbers the enemy was overwhelmingly superior. 

Darius Spafford was just married to Miss Blackman. Receiving a 
death wound, he fell into the arms of his brother Phineas, by whose 
side he fought. " Brother," said he, " I am mortally hurt ; take 
care of Lavina." Stephen Whiton, a young schoolmaster from 
Connecticut, was also a bridegroom, having recently married the 
daughter of Anderson Dana, Esq. The father and son-in-law fell 
together. 

The battle being ended, the massacre began. 

A portion of the Indian flanking party pushed forward in the 
rear of the Connecticut line, to cut off" retreat to Forty Fort, and 
then pressed the retreating army towards the river. Monockasy 
Island affording the only hope of crossing, the stream of flight 
flowed in that direction through fields of grain. Cooper, and those 
who remained near the line of battle, saw the main body of the 
Indians hastening after the fugitives. 

At Forty Fort, the bank of the river was lined by anxious wives 
and mothers, awaiting the issue. Hearing the firing sharply con- 
tinued, now, hope arose; but when the shots became irregular, and 
approached nearer and nearer, that hope sank in dismay. Lieut. 

*" The accusing spirit flew up to Heaven's chancery with the oath, and as she wrote it 
down, dropped a tear on the word, and blotted it out forever." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 225 

Gore, whose arm was shattered early in the action, being intercepted 
in an attempt to retreat the way he had marched up, secreted him- 
self in a thick covert of bushes and briars near the road, on the de- 
scending bank. Indians ran past him, their attention directed to those 
who were flying through the flats. One stood very near, gazed a 
moment, drew up his rifle and fired. Raising a yell, he rushed 
forward, probably to scalp his victim. 

At the river near the Island, the scene was exceedingly distress- 
ing. A few swam over and escaped. Closely pressed, many were 
killed in the river. Sergeant Jeremiah Bigford, a very active man, 
was pursued by an Indian into the stream with a spear ; Bigford 
faced him, struck the spear from his hand, and seizing him by the 
neck, dashed him under his feet, where he would have drowned, but 
another savage rushed forward to his aid, and ran his spear through 
Bigford's breast, who fell dead, and floated away. A month after- 
wards his body was found seven or eight miles below, much decayed, 
but was recognized by a silver broach he wore, which, with a 
piece of the shirt with the spear hole, was preserved by his family 
for many years. One of the fugitives by the name of Pensil sought 
security by hiding in a cluster of willows on the island. Seeing his 
tory brother come up, and recognize him, he threw himself at his 
feet, begged for protection, and proffered to serve him for life, if he 
would save him. " Mighty well !" was the taunting reply. " You 
d — d rebel," and instantly shot him dead. It was a dreadful hour ; 
men seemed transformed into demons. The worst passions raged with 
wild and desolating fury. All the sweet charities of life seemed 
extinguished. Lieutenant Shoemaker, one of the most generous and 
benevolent-hearted men, whose wealth enabled him to dispense cha- 
rity and do good, which was a delight to him, fled to the river, 
when Windecker, who had often fed at his board, and drank of his 
cup, came to the brink. " Come out, come out," said he, " You know 
I will protect you." How could he doubt it? Windecker reached out 
his left hand, as if to lead him, much exhausted, ashore, and dashed his 
tomahawk into the head of his benefactor, who fell back, and 
floated away. 

Many prisoners were lured to shore by promise of quarter, and 
then butchered. The accurate Indian marksmen, sure of their prey, 
had coolly singled out officers, and broke the thigh bone, it is sup- 
posed, as so many are found perforated, so as effectually to disable, 
but leaving the victim alive for torture. Capt. Bidlack was thrown 
15 



226 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

alive on the burning logs of the fort, held down with pitch forks, 
and there tortured till he expired. Prisoners taken under solemn 
promise of quarter, were gathered together, and placed in circles. 
Sixteen or eighteen were arranged round one large stone, since 
known as the bloody rock. Surrounded by a body of Indians, 
queen Esther, a fury in the form of a woman, assumed the office of 
executioner with death maul, or tomahawk, for she used the one 
with both hands, or took up the other with one, and passing round 
the circle with words, as if singing, or counting with a cadence, she 
would dash out the brains, or sink the tomahawk into the head of a 
prisoner. A number had fallen. Her rage increased with indul- 
gence. Seeing there was no hope, Lebbeus, Hammond, and Joseph 
Elliott, with a sudden spring shook off the Indians who held them, 
and fled for the thicket : Rifles cracked ! Indians yelled ! Toma- 
hawks flew ! but they escaped, the pursuers soon returning to their 
death sports. The mangled bodies of fourteen or fifteen were after- 
wards found round the rock where they had fallen, scalped, and 
shockingly mangled. Nine more were found in a similar circle some 
distance above. 

Young Searles, aged sixteen, fled, accompanied by William, the 
son of Asahel Buck, aged fourteen. Searles, almost exhausted, 
heard a person cry, " stop — you shall have quarter — we wont hurt 
you." Looking round, and almost inclined to surrender, he saw 
Buck stop, and yield himself: that moment a tomahawk struck him 
to the earth dead. Renewing his leap, from desperation, Searle es- 
caped. " See," said one of the flying Yankees, who was pursued by 
a powerful Indian, and nearly exhausted. Richard Inman drew up 
his rifle, and the Indian dropped dead.* Samuel Carey, a young 
man of nineteen, had crossed the river at the island, where he was 
met by the Indians, who were already on the beach. At first they 
threatened him with death, placing a knife to his bowels, as if they 
meant to rip him open ; but he was spared, and taken to the Indian 
country. With a single other exception, he was the only person 
made prisoner in the battle, whose life was not sacrificed. 

While this .scene of suffering and woe was in progress, night 
threw her kindly mantle over the field, and darkness arrested the 
pursuit. Lieut. Gore, who had lain still, now heard the tread of 
men, and their voices in conversation. " It has been a sore day for 

* That shot was revenged on the family, as will be seen in the sequt'I. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 227 

the Yankees." " It has indeed — blood enough has been shed." So 
far he heard, and they passed on. He supposed it to be Col. J. 
Butler, and one of his officers. 

Mr. Hollenback, who had swam the river, and so escaped, brought 
the anticipated tidings to Wilkesbarre, and having learned the po- 
sition of Capt. Spalding, saddled his horse, and rode all night to 
apprise him of the state of affairs at Wyoming. 

Col. Zebulon Butler repaired to the Wilkesbarre Fort, and cast 
himself exhausted on the ground. Col. Denison took up his quarters 
at Forty Fort, gathered the few soldiers who had come in — placed 
sentinels, and took all the precautions in his power, dictated by 
prudence, to guard against surprise, and save the women and child- 
ren. The night throughout the Valley was one of inexpressible an- 
guish and despair. 

Although darkness had put an end to the pursuit, and most of the 
prisoners had been barbarously butchered, some who were supposed 
to be special objects of hate, were selected for slower torture, and 
the execution of more savage vengeance. It may be some unguard- 
ed word — perhaps the refusal, in gone-by years, of whiskey to an 
importunate Indian ; some fancied, or real wrong ; or, it is thought 
by some, to satiate the revenge of Indians who had lost relations in 
the fight : whatever may have been the motive, the vast depths of 
hell, boiling with demoniac passions, never could have devised or 
executed such horrid tortures, as many of the Connecticut prisoners 
were that night doomed to endure. 

On the river bank, on the Pittston side, Capt. Blanchard, Esq., 
Whitaker, and Ishmael Bennet, attracted by fires among trees, on 
the opposite shore, took their station and witnessed the process of 
torture. Several naked men, in the midst of flames, were driven 
round a stake ; their groans and screams were most piteous, while 
the shouts and yells of the Savages, who danced round, urging the 
victims on with their spears, were too horrible to be endured. They 
were powerless to help or avenge, and withdrew, heartsick from a 
view of their horrid orgies — glad that thev did not know who 
were the sufferers. This was more than a mile above Wintermoot's. 
On the battle ground, the work of torture lasted till vengeance, 
satiated and weary, dropped the knife and torch, from exhaustion. 
Col. John Butler, much agitated, as the peculiar affluvium of burn- 
ing human flesh came to his nostrils, said, in the hearing of Mr. 
Ingersoll, " It is not in my power to help it." In the morning, the 



228 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

battle field was strewed with limbs, and bodies torn apart, mangled 
and partially consumed. 

About one hundred and sixty of the Connecticut people were 
killed that day, and one hundred and forty escaped. The loss of the 
enemy was never known. "Early the next morning," says Mr. 
Ingersoll, " all the shovels and pickaxes that could be mustered were 
taken out, and their dead buried in the swamp. Probably from 
forty to eighty fell. 

The transactions of the next day must be reserved for another 
letter. 



LETTER XVIII. 



1778. Morning of the Fourth — Consternation and Flight — Incidents of Suffering — Mr. 

Hollenback meets the starving Fugitives with bread — Pittston Forts surrender — Negotia- 
tions — Capitulation of Forty Fort — {*N3te, Clueen Esther) — (*Note, Brant) — Sergeant 
Boyd shot — Incidents — Col. John Butler withdraws from the Valley — His character — 
John Gardiner — The Indians that remain give up the Valley to fire, plunder and devasta- 
tion — Murder of Hickman, wife and child — Murder of Leach and St. John — Murder of 
John Abbott and Isaac Williams — Murder of Keys and Hocksey — Swetland and Blan- 
chard carried away prisoners — Col. Zebulon Butler returns with Capt. Spalding's Com- 
pany to the Valley — Col. Hartley joins Col. Butler — Expedition to West Branch and 
Sheshequin — Remains of the slaughtered people buried — List of slain — Several interest- 
ing matters — Col. Hartley's Command withdrawn — Return of Savages — Indian mur- 
ders — William Jameson — John Perkins — Wm. Jackson and Mr. Lester — Capt. Carrand 
Philip Goss — Robert Alexander and Amos Parker — The Utley family murdered — Isaac 
Inman murdered — Nathan Kingsley killed — Frances Slocum carried into captivity — 
Jonathan Slocum and Isaac Tripp murdered — The lost Sister — Thomas Neill, the gene- 
rous Irishman — Terms of Capitulation, and official Papers, from British archives. 



O^ the evening of the third of July, Capt. John Franklin arrived at 
Forty Fort, with the Huntington and Salem company, consisting of 
about thirty-five men; a most welcome reinforcement to Col. Deni- 
son, as they gave steadiness to the broken remnant of the army who 
had escaped. A consultation was held, at which it was concluded 
to send to Wilkesbarre for the cannon, to cause the whole settlement 
to concentrate at Forty Fort, the largest in the Valley, and defend 
themselves to the last extremity. A messenger, despatched on the 
morning of the fourth, hastily returned, and reported that the pro- 
posed measure was impracticable, for fugitives were flying in every 
direction to the wilderness, and all was confusion, consternation and 
horror. The only hope of safety seemed to be in flight. The seve- 
ral passages through the swamp were thronged. Few having been 
throughtful enough to take provisions, the greater part were desti- 
tute. On the old warrior's path, there were in one company, about 
one hundred women and children, with but a single man, Jonathan 



230 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Fitch, Esq., Sheriff of the county, to advise or aid them. The way 
towards the Wind Gap and Stroudsburg, was equally crowded. 
Sufferings from fatigue and hunger soon became extreme. The brave 
George Cooper, who would " have one shot more," with his com- 
panions, Westover and Stark, and their families, had made an effort 
to obtain provisions, but the Indians being discovered watching their 
dwellings, they were compelled to fly with scarce a morsel, though 
exhausted by the battle. 

Of the little they had, neither of the men would partake, so that 
the children need not perish. Tears gushed from the eyes of the 
aged widow of Cooper, when she related that her husband had laid 
on his face to lap up a little meal which a companion, in their flight, 
had spilt on the earth. Children were born, and several perished 
in the " Dismal Swamp," or " Shades of Death," as it is called to 
this day. Mrs. Treusdale was taken in labour; daring to delay but 
a few minutes, she was soon seen with her infant, moving onward — 
a sheet having been fixed on a horse, so as to carry them. Jabez 
Fish, who was in the battle, escaped ; but not being able to join his 
family, was supposed to have fallen ; and Mrs. Fish hastened with 
her children through the wilderness. Overcome with fatigue and 
want, her infant died. Sitting down a moment, on a stone, to see it 
draw its last breath, she gazed in its face with unutterable anguish. 
There was no way to dig a grave — and to leave it to be devoured by 
wolves, seemed worse than death, so she took the dead babe in her 
arms, and carried it twenty miles, when she came to a German set- 
tlement. Though poor, they gave her food ; made a box for the 
child, attended her to the graveyard, and decently buried it, kindly 
bidding her welcome, till she should be rested. The uniform hospi- 
tality of the Germans, is gratefully attested by the Wyoming people. 

The wife of Ebenezer Marcy was taken in labour, in the wilder- 
ness. Having no mode of conveyance, her sufferings were inex- 
pressibly severe. Slie was able to drag her fainting steps but about 
two miles that day. The not, being overtaken by a neighbour with 
a horse, she rode, and in a week's time, was more than a hundred 
miles, with her infant, from the place of its birth. 

Mrs. Rogers, from Plymouth, an aged woman, flying with her 
family, overcome by fatigue and sorrow, fainted in the wilderness, 
twenty miles from human habitation. She could take no nourish- 
ment, and soon died. They made a grave in the best manner they 
could, and the next day, nearly exhausted, came to a settlement of 
Germans, who treated them with exceeding great kindness. Mrs. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 231 

Courtright relates that she, then a young girl, flying with her 
father's family, saw sitting by the road side, a widow, who had 
learned the death of her husband. Six children were on the ground 
near her. The group, the very image of despair, for they were with- 
out food. Just at that moment, a man was seen riding rapidly 
towards them, from the settlements. It was Mr. Hollenback. Fore- 
seeing the probable destitution, he had providently loaded his horse 
with bread, and was hastening back, like an angel of mercy, to their 
relief. Cries and tears of gratitude and welcome went up to Hea- 
ven. He imparted a morsel to each, and hastened on to the relief of 
others. 

The widow of Anderson Dana, Esq., and her widowed daughter, 
Mrs. Whiton, did not learn, certainly, the* deaths of their husbands, 
until they were at Bullock's, on the mountain, ten miles on their 
way. Many then heard the fate of relations, and a messenger 
brought to Mr. Bullock, word, that both his sons were dead on the 
field. Then was there mourning and lamentation, and the wringing 
of hands. Mrs. Dana had been extraordinarily careful. Not only 
had she provided food, but taken a pillow-case of valuable papers, 
(the husband being much engaged in public business,) the preserva- 
tion of which has thrown much light on our path of research. - 
Depending chiefly on charity, the family sought their ancient home, 
at Ashford, Windham county, Connecticut. Those few instances 
selected from an hundred, will present some idea of the dreadful 
flight. 

Early on the morning after the battle. Col. John Butler sent a 
detachment across the river to Pittston, when Capt. Blanchard sur- 
rendered Fort Brown, on terms of fair capitulation ; and the Indians 
marked the prisoners with black paint on the face, telling them to 
keep it there, and if they went out, each should carry a white cloth 
on a stick, so that being known, they should not be hurt.* Colonel 
Butler also despatched a messenger to Forty Fort, requesting Col. 
Denison to come up, and agree on terms of capitulation. Taking 
with him Obadiah Gore, Esq., an aged man, and Dr. Gustin, Col. 
Denison immediately repaired to Head Quarters, near the ruins of 
Wintermoot's Fort. In discussing the terms, it was insisted that 



* Tom Turkey, Anthony Turkey, David Singsing, and Anthony Cornelius, formerly 
residents in the Valley, and known to the inhabitants, were among the Indians. Squaws 
followed, hideously smeared with brains and blood, bringing strings of scalps ; of which, with 
more than a demon's malice, they would smell, and exultingly exclaim, " Yankee blood !" 



232 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Col. Zebulon Butler, and the remains of Hewett's company, being 
continental soldiers, should be surrendered prisoners of war. Col. 
Denison desired time to consult with his officers, which was allowed. 
Returning, he hastened to Wilkesbarre, where, having an interview 
with Col. Z. Butler, it was judged expedient that he and the four- 
teen men remaining of Hewett's command, should immediately retire 
from the Valley. Ordering the men to Shamokin, Col. Butler threw 
a bed upon his horse, took Mrs. B. behind him, and that night tar- 
ried at the Nescopeck Valley, (now Conyngham,) twenty miles from 
Wilkesbarre. Having reported the fact to Col. John Butler, that all 
the continental men were beyond his command, negotiations were 
renewed — Zerah Beach, Esq. and the Rev. Jacob Johnson being pre- 
sent. Terms w^ere agreed upon, verbally : but there remaining no 
conveniences for writing, at Wintermoot's, they were to be com- 
mitted to paper at four o'clock, in the afternoon, at Forty Fort, when 
the surrender was to take place. It being known that among the 
stores there was a quantity of whiskey, Col. Butler desired it might 
be destroyed, for he feared, if the Indians became intoxicated, he 
could not restrain them. Before the hour, the barrels were rolled 
to the bank, the heads knocked in, and the liquor emptied into the 
river. 

The two gates of the Fort were now thrown open, and what arms 
could be found, including those of Franklin's men, were piled up in 
the centre. So capacious was the fort, that notwithstanding the 
ranges of huts that lined the sides, there was ample room to drill 
a company of men. At the appointed time, the victors approached 
with colours flying and music playing ; a column of white men, four 
abreast, on the left. On the right the Savages, also in four files ; the 
whiles, headed by Col. Butler — the Indians led by Queen Esther.* 
" You told me to bring more Indians, Col. Deni-son," said the old 

* Col. Stone. For the opinions of my estimable friend, I entertain unaflected regard ; but 
when compelled by proofs, his goodness will allow me to differ from him, without offence. 
He thinks it impossible GLueen Esther should have conducted like a demon, especially as 
represented at the Bloody Rock. He may have misapprehended the person. It seems she 
and Col. Denison were acquainted. Col. Franklin, who also knew her, states the facts in 
respect to her conduct explicitly. That she was a person of consideration, is manifest, from 
her leading the Indian column, but more especially at the Fatal Ring, from which Hammond 
escaped. Remember the kindred atrocities perpetrated by women during the French Revo- 
lution. It required the purity of angels corrupted, to make perfect devils. One reason as- 
signed for her intense malice, was, that one of the Indians slain, at Exeter, on the 3d, was 
her son. 

From a narrative recently published in " Hill's Newhampshire Patriot," taken from a 
Journal of one of Sullivan's officers, we copy a paragraph. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 233 

Fury, drawling out his name, " See here, I have brought you all 
these." " Be silent," said Col. Butler, " women should be seen, but 
not heard." The column of Rangers, Royal Greens, and Tories, 
marched in at the north. Brant, or Gi-en-gwah-toh,* with his fol- 
lowers, at the south gate. The suspicious look of the wary chief, 
glancing his flashing eye, now to the right, now to the left, as if 
apprehensive of treachery, was well remembered, and graphically 
described by the late Col. Dorrance. Immediately on entering the 
fort, the Tories seized the arms. An order from Col. Butler to 
replace them, was followed by an address to the Indians. " See, a 
present the Yankees have made you !" Seeming much pleased, they 
took them into possession. 

" August 10, [1779.] After advancing about a mile through a rich bottom covered with 
strong and stately timber, which shut out the sun, and shed a cool and agreeable twilight, 
we unexpectedly were introduced into a plain as large as that of Sheshukonah [Shesque- 
quin,] called ' Clueen Esther's Plantation.' It was in the plains, near the banks of the Sus- 
quehannah, that Esther, queen of the Seneca tribe, dwelt in retirement and sullen majesty. 
The ruins of her palace are still to be seen. In what we supposed to be the chapel, was 
found an idol, which might well be worshipped without violating the thinl commandment, on 
account of its likeness to ' any thing either in heaven or earth.' About sunrise, the General 
gave orders for the town to be illuminated, and accordingly we had a glorious bonfire, of up- 
wards of thirty buildings at once." 

* We had yielded rather to the confident opinion of Col. Stone, than to the proofs adduced, 
that Brant was not in command at the invasion. His own positive denial might well be 
received with hesitation and doubt ; for in Europe, at least, he had no inconsiderable reputa- 
tion; and so much infamy had attached to the Indian cruelties at Wyoming, that if guilty) 
he would gladly escape, even by the additional offence of falsehood. Little regard should be 
paid to his mere assertion. How much more to the denial of his Indian friends 1 Where 
was he 1 Col. Butler with his Rangers ! Johnson, with his Royal Greens! Capt. Caldwell ! 
Six hundred Indians to be commanded! Wyoming to be attacked! Assuredly, Brant, the 
great Iroquois leader, would not fail to be present ! Such would be the reasoning. Add to 
this, the general, the universal belief, for forty years, during which time no other name was 
mentioned as the Chief-in-command. Gen. Ross, who lost two brothers in the battle, him- 
self old enough to bear arms, having been in the array at Exeter, on the 2nd, highly intelli- 
gent, would not listen to a doubt on the subject ; whh such certainty, had half a century of 
unshaken belief, fixed the fact in his mind. Recently, Eleazer Carey, Esq., a gentleman of 
great candour and intelligence, tells me, in a note dated July 24, 1843, 

" When a lad fourteen years old, I resided in the Genesee country, and in 1803, became 
acquainted with the family of Kanchilak, eldest son of Blue Throat, or Talaguadeak. He 
had sons and daughters, not differing much from my age ; and he said the boys must teach 
me to talk Indian, and I, them, to speak Yankee. We thus became intimate. Blue 
Throat could speak our language, understandingly. He assured me, as did Little Beard, 
who held the rank of captain in the battle, that Brant was not present. This statement was 
confirmed by Stuttering John, and Roland Montour, the latter a half blood, who took my 
uncle, Samuel Carey, prisoner." 

If the concurrent assertions of Brant, and his Indian friends, are to be credited, he was not 
present. Mr. Carey believes them. The pubUc will form their own judgment. 



234 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

The terms of capitulation were then reduced to writing, and 
signed (on a table still in possession of Mrs. Myers.) (Those, with 
other documents of interest — indeed, all that could be obtained at 
the London War Office, relating to Wyoming, will be found together 
at the close of this letter.) 

As Col. Butler stood in the gateway, he recognized Serjeant Boyd, 
the deserter of whom we have before spoken. " Boyd," said he 
sternly, " go to that tree." " I hope," said Boyd imploringly, " your 
honour will consider me a prisoner of war." " Go to that tree, sir !" 
And at a signal the Indians poured in a volley, and he fell dead. 

Soon after signing the articles. Col. Butler observed, " That as 
Wyoming was a frontier, it was wrong for any part of the inha- 
bitants to leave their own settlements, and enter into the Continental 
army abroad ; that such a number having done so, was the cause 
of the invasion, and that it never would have been attempted, if 
the men had remained at home. Col. Franklin, who heard the de- 
claration, added, " I was of the same opinion." 

In a few hours after the fort was surrendered, the Indians began 
to plunder, entering the huts, and breaking open trunks and boxes. 
The town papers were scattered around, the surveys, and other valu- 
able writings destroyed, and the Westmoreland Records, with diffi- 
culty preserved. Col. Denison complained, saying he had capitulated 
relying on the honour of a British officer. " I will put a stop to it, I 
will put a stop to it," said Butler, and gave peremptory orders to 
the chief. " These are your Indians, you must restrain them." Soon 
after, open and flagrant robberies were renewed, and Col. Denison 
again, and with spirit, remonstrated. After another ineffectual effort, 
Col. Butler said : " I can do nothing with them, I can do nothing 
with them," and added, that Indians after a successful battle, never 
could be controlled. He professed to be, and probably was hurt, 
that such outrages should be committed, in violation of his plighted 
faith, and positive orders. " Make out a list," added he, " of the 
property lost, and I pledge my honour it shall be paid for." 

Every hour growing bolder and more insolent, the savages soon 
threw off all restraint, seized on Col. Denison, and taking the hat 
from his head, demanded also the linen frock he wore. In the pocket 
were a few dollars, the whole military chest of the settlement, and 
he made some resistance, when they instantly lifting a tomahawk 
threatened his life. Obliged to comply, he, seeming to have some 
difficulty in slipping it over his head, stepped backward to where 
sat a young woman of his family, who comprehending the manoeuvre, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 235 

adroitly took out the purse, when he gave up the coveted garment to 
the spoiler. 

So gross and widely circulated have been the errors, in respect to 
this capitulation, that it is time the truth of history should be vin- 
dicated. Gordon, Ramsey, Marshall and Botta, adopting the Pough- 
keepsie account, have all stated, that on Col. Denison asking what 
terms would be granted to him, was answered " the hatchet ;" and 
that thereupon surrendering, fire was set to the fort, and the prison- 
ers, men, women and children, pitched in on the burning pile, and 
given up to the flames. The facts, carefully collected by the labour 
of years, and now faithfully recorded, are sufficiently painful. "Give 
the devil his due," is an adage, just, as it is old. In another page, 
this matter being regarded as important, is set forth more at large. 
For the present it may be stated, that while in every other par- 
ticular the terms were violated, no life was taken at Forty Fort, 
except that of Serjeant Boyd. 

Col. Butler finding his commands disregarded, and his authority 
set at nought, by his own bands of enraged and licentious savages, 
flushed with victory and drunk with blood ; apprehensive too, it is 
believed, of his own life being taken, if he attempted to enforce obe- 
dience, mustered all his force, whom discipline could control, and 
on Wednesday, the 8th, withdrew from the plains. He did not even 
indulge himself with a visit to Wilkesbarre, or the lower part of the 
Valley.* 



* Mr. Finch, a prisoner liberated by the articles of capitulation, visiting the field with the 
writer in 1838, stated " that Col. Butler received a letter from a messenger on the 5th or 
6th, that he immediately assembled round him his officers and the Indian chiefs, and read it 
to them. That he addressed the latter very earnestly in their own tongue, and was un- 
derstood, among other things, to enjoin it on them, not to kill women and children. That 
when he ceased to speak, they raised a great shout, and he ordered preparations to be made 
for a retreat. It was supposed the letter hastened his march. Such a letter may have been 
received, or it might have been a scheme devised to hasten the departure of the Indians. 

Col. Butler did not lack sense. All that duty, more than honour required, had been done. 
He must have been insensible to interest, as well as character, to countenance further atroci- 
ties. The Valley was in his absolute power. Had he meant to plunder and destroy the 
whole, certainly he would not have entered into written articles, voluntarily stipulating the 
reverse. Mr. Finch also states, that the knot by which Col. Butler's handkerchief was tied, 
was shot through, so that it fell. 

An anecdote, too good to be lost, may as well be told here. Mr. Finch, and the writer, wait- 
ed on Mrs. Jenkins, then more than eighty years of age, who lived near the field. She instant- 
ly recognized him, although it was near half a century since they had met. She, it will be re- 
collected was a prisoner, having been taken on the 2d. " O yes, Finch," said the old lady with 
much archness and humour, in answer to his inquiry, "to be sure 1 remember you. An 
old squaw took you, and brought you in — she found you in the bushes — and as she drove 



236 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

His retirement indeed, bore the marks of accelerated retreat. 
Fear of an attack from any probable force that could be brought to 
assail him, can hardly be imagined, and the anxiety to leave the 
ground can only be accounted for on the supposition that he was 
sickened by the tortures already committed, dreaded the further 
cruelties of the Indians, and desired by his absence, to escape the re- 
sponsibility of their future conduct. 

As we now part with this bold partisan leader forever, a page 
cannot be ill devoted in this history, which shall present a just 
sketch of his character. He was descended, we have great con- 
fidence in expressing the belief, from some of the younger branches 
of the family of the Duke of Ormond, whose name was Butler. 
Our own opinion is, that the two Colonel Butlers were from the same 
original stock, and perhaps three generations back, their fathers 
hailed at least as near as cousins. Col. John Butler was a fat man, 
below the middle stature, yet active ; through the rough visage of 
the warrior, showing a rather agreeable, than forbidding aspect. 
Care sat on his brow. Speaking quickly, he repeated his words 
when excited. Decision, firmness and courage, were undoubted cha- 
racteristics of the man. So detested is his name, associated with 
the atrocities perpetrated at Wyoming, that even now, it is not with- 
out some fear of offence, we draw of him, what we believe to be, 
a just outline. An old agricultural work says : — " In the town of 
Kilkenny, Ireland, and near the river side, stands on an eminence, 
a fine gothic building belonging to the Butler family, which was 
erected in the reign of Queen Anne, by the famous Duke of Ormond." 
Sir Walter Scott, in his Legend of Montrose, makes Dalgetty say : 
" I e'en gave up my commission, and took service with Wallenstein 
in Walter Butler's Irish Regiment. Col. John Butler, had a son 
Walter, who fell on the Mohawk. The ancestor of Col. Butler, as 
we have elsewhere hinted, probably came over as Indian agent, (in 
Queen Anne's reign, when Ormond was in great power,) with the 
delegation of Kings from the Five Nations, on their return. 

It is certain Col. Butler could have commanded much more severe 
conditions. The settlement was wholly at his mercy. No one can 
deny but the capitulation, on its face, was, under the circumstances, 
in a high degree honourable, and favourable to Col. Denison. Col. 

you along, patted you on the back, saying, my son, my son !" Though certainly no reflection 
on his courage or manhood, he did not relish the story half so much as the bystanders, 
especially as he had previously been playing the hero in his account of the battle. He very 
soon took leave of the Valley. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 237 

Franklin confirms the statement of Mrs. Myers, that Butler exerted 
himself to restrain the savages, seemed deeply hurt when he was 
unable to do so, and at once offered, if a list could be furnished of 
property lost, to make it good. Finally he withdrew his own men, 
proper, taking, so far as we learn, no plunder. His fault appears to 
us to have been in his position — his crime, in accepting command, 
lending his name, and associating with those blood-thirsty and un- 
principled savages who were placed under his orders. Their stains, 
iaeither time nor charity can remove. But does it not attach with 
tenfold deeper crimson to the Government under whose administra- 
tion such inhuman agents were directed to be employed? We have 
some reason to believe that many years after the war, the Govern- 
ment of Great Britain having withheld from Butler some token of 
honour, or expected emolument, otherwise his due, on account of his 
alleged treachery and cruelty, he sent a confidential agent to Wyo- 
ming to obtain certificates of the true state of the facts ; in which he 
succeeded. That he was regarded as respectable, independent of 
his commission as a British officer, is shown from the fact, that the 
American commissioners appointed to treat with the Six Nations, 
under Washington's administration, (in 1795,) accepted an invita- 
tion from Col Butler, crossed the line, and dined with him.* 

With Butler, a large portion of the Indians withdrew, and their 
march presented a picture at once melancholy and ludicrous. 
Squaws to a considerable number, brought up the rear, a belt of 
scalps stretched on small hoops, around the waist for a girdle, having 
on, some four, some six, and even more, dresses of chintz or silk, one 
over the other ; being mounted astride on horses, of course all stolen, 
and on their heads three, four, or five bonnets, one within another, 
worn wrong side before. 

One prisoner taken at Exeter the 1st of July, when the Hardings 
and Hadsels were massacred, as we leave the battle ground, de- 

* The deepest stain on the character of Butler, next to his taking the command of such 
a horde of merciless and ungovernable wretches, arises out of the fact that but two prisoners 
were taken, and saved at the time of the battle. With his own regiment of Rangers, and 
the detachment of Sir John Johnson's Greens, not including the tories who joined his army, 
he must have had several hundred white men under his command, no inconsiderable num- 
ber disciplined soldiers. These, beyond all doubt, were the immediate servants of his will. 
That they took no part in the pursuit of the fugitives, is not for a moment to be imagined. 
It would seem, of course, that they must have participated in the cruelties which followed the 
flight; the refusal to give quarter to a yielding foe, or the subsequent murder of prisoners 
who had surrendered ! W hatever may be said of the ungovernable character of the Indians, 
for the conduct of his own regularly enlisted and disciplined soldiers, he was unquestionably 
responsible. 



238 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

mands our special notice. Mr. John Gardiner was a husband and 
father, a highly respectable man, against whom, some unappeasable 
spirit of enmity is supposed to have existed. On the morning of the 
4th his wife and children were permitted to see, and take leave of 
him. Elisha Harding, Esq., then a boy, was present, and represents 
the scene as extremely affecting. When the last adieu was exchang- 
ed, an Indian placed a grievous load on his shoulders, which he 
could scarcely raise, then put a halter round his neck, and led him 
off as he would a beast. The farewell expressed the sentiment; "I 
go to return no more." Exhausted vi'ith fatigue before he arrived 
at his captor's home, he fell, crushed by the weight of his load, when 
he was handed over to the squaws, who tortured him to death by 
fire. Daniel Carr, a fellow prisoner, saw the remains the following 
day, and represented it as a sight to awaken the deepest pity. 

The savages remaining, now freed from the slight restraint the 
presence of their white allies imposed, gave themselves to the wildest 
disorder. Separating in parties of from five to ten, they scattered 
through the Valley, marking their course as if in sheer wantonness, 
with fire. After stripping a house of every thing fancied, they 
would either leave, or set fire to it, as whim or caprice seemed to 
dictate. Such was their joyous exultation, they hardly knew how 
to give it expression. Constant Searle, Esq., the most aged man 
who went to the field, had fallen among the rest. An Indian was 
seen on horseback, wearing his wig hind side before, while his com- 
panions would frighten the animal, or prick him with a spear, laugh- 
ing to see him fall. 

From the farm of an aged man by the name of Weeks, in Wilkes- 
barre, originally from Fairfield county, seven persons had gone out 
to battle, (so imperious, so irresistible were demands for men, even 
to make up the three hundred.) Philip, Jonathan, and Bartholomew 
Weeks, his sons — Silas Benedict, who married a grand-daughter, 
Jabez Beers, and Josiah Carman, relatives, and Robert Bates, a 
boarder. Horrible slaughter! The whole seven lay dead on the 
field at night ! A band of Indians came to the house of Mr. Weeks, 
and bade him remove. " How can I," said he, " my whole family 
you have slain." Getting provisions, they feasted heartily, when one 
of them wheeled a large rocking chair into the road, took the hat 
from the old gentleman, and putting it on his own head, sat down, 
and rocked himself Allowing him to take a pair of oxen, they gave 
Mr. Weeks three days to prepare for his departure, when they set 
fire to the buildings, and destroyed all that was left. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 239 

The terms of capitulation being known, and regarded as favorable, 
the lives of the garrison having been spared, and the Savages thus 
far seeming satisfied with plunder and burning, hope of life dawned, 
for a moment, upon those that remained ; but almost immediately the 
cheering ray was extinguished in blood. 

News came down from the Lackawanna, that Mr. Hickman, bis 
wife and child, were murdered at Capouse. The very next day two 
men, by the name of Leach and St. John, who were removing with 
their families, w-ere shot six miles up the Lackawanna. One of them 
had a child in his arms, which, with strange inconsistency, the 
Indian took up, and handed to the mother, all covered with the 
father's blood. Leaving the women in the wagon unhurt, they took 
the scalps of their husbands, and departed. Again, alarm arose to 
phrenzy. Col. Denison, with all who had remained at Forty Fort, 
fled ; some down the river and some through the swamp.* 

Except a few who gathered about the fort at Wilkesbarre, the 
whole people abandoned the settlement. Every house and barn, not 
spared by caprice, was burnt. The Valley presented one wide scene 
of conflagration and ruin. 

Col. Z. Butler, as soon as possible, wrote a hasty letter to General 
Washington, stating briefly the fate of the day, and soliciting suc- 
cour, that if possible, a portion of the harvest might be preserved. 

Joining Capt. Spalding, early in August, he returned to Wyo- 
ming.f A new stockade was erected in Wilkesbarre, and put in the 
best posture of defence. So sustained, a number of persons, whose 
families had fled, returned in the hope to save a portion of the wast- 
ing harvest, which had escaped destruction. John Abbott, who had 
been in the battle, and Isaac Williams, a young man, in attempting 

* Through malice or misapprehension, blame was attempteJ to be cast on Col. Denison 
and the people, for taking up arms again. Surely they were released from every obligation 
of peace or neutrality, by the flagrant and wanton violation of all the provisions of the cap- 
itulation. 

t Capt. Spalding was at Shupes', half way between the Pocono and Blue mountains, 
near fifty miles from Wyoming, on the day of the battle. Marcliing early on the 4th, he ad- 
vanced thirteen miles to where the gate is now kept. Here he met Mr. Hollenback and Mr. 
Hageman, the first fugitives, and learned the fate of the day. Pushing forward, he came to the 
Bear Swamp, within twelve miles of Wilkesbarre, which he was anxious to reach. Restina- 
his comiiany, who had marched thirty miles through intolerable roads, he sent two men for- 
ward to reconnoiter. From the mountain, they saw the flames rising in all directions, confirm- 
ing the statements of the retreating inhabitants, that the Valley was entirely in possession of 
the enemy. Victory, with a single company, being hopeless, Capt. Spalding returned, render- 
ing all the aid in his power, to the distressed. Taking up a position at Stroudsburg, he 
waited the orders of Col. Butler, 



240 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

to harvest their wheat on Jacob's plains, were waylaid and both 
shot and scalped. The widow of Mr. Abbott, who had fled to Cat- 
tawissa, with nine children, (their house and barn having been burnt, 
and all their property destroyed,) set out on foot, a journey of near 
three hundred miles, and begged their way home to Hampton, 
in Wyndham county. 

About this time, three Indians took prisoners on the Lackawana, 
Isaac Tripp, Esq., the elder ; Isaac Tripp, his grandson, and two 
young men, by the names of Keys and Hocksey. The old gentle- 
man they painted and dismissed, but hurried the others into the 
forest, (now Abington,) above Leggett's Gap, on the warrior's path 
to Oquago. Resting one night, they rose next morning and travel- 
ed about two miles, when they stopped at a little stream of water. 
The two young Indians then took Keys and Hocksey some distance 
from the path, and were absent half an hour, the old Indian looking 
anxiously the way they had gone. Presently, the death-whoop was 
heard, and the Indians returned brandishing bloody tomahawks, and 
exhibiting the scalps of their victims. Tripp's hat was taken from his 
head, and his scalp examined twice, the Savages speaking earnestly, 
when at length they told him to fear nothing, he should not be hurt, 
and carried him off as a prisoner. Luke Svvetland and Joseph Blanch- 
ard were taken prisoners, near Nanticoke, on the 24th of August, 
and carried away captives to the Indian country. 

Surrounded by murderous parties, a very small portion of the 
grain could be preserved. Col. Hartley, of the Pennsylvania line, 
was now ordered to join Col. Butler, and thus strengthened, active 
offensive measures were instantly adopted, to hunt out and repel the 
Indians. Having pitched their lodges on the flats, at Sheshequin, 
within Westmoreland town, an expedition was set on foot, to break 
up their settlement. A detachment of one hundred and thirty men 
marched on the 8th of September, to the West Branch, and thence to 
Sheshequin. On the 29th a battle ensued. Several Indians were 
known to be killed, as their bodies were left on the field, and it was 
not doubted that a number more were slain. Two or three of Col. 
Hartley's men were killed and several wounded. The Indian set- 
tlement was broken up, and besides cattle and horses recovered, a 
considerable portion of plunder* was taken. Col. Hartley, in gene- 
ral orders, at camp Westmoreland, Oct. 3d, 1778, not only expresses 

* So universally was the expression, plunder, used at that time, for property taken from 
an enemy, that we adopt it. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 241 

his satisfaction, generally, with the troops, " during a tiresome and 
dangerous march, amidst hunger — the wading of rivers at midnight, 
where not a complaint was heard," but adds, " In short, the whole 
detachment, with very few exceptions, have acquitted themselves 
with the highest reputation, and they have the satisfaction to know 
they have saved the lives of many, and served their country." The 
Colonel particularly compliments " Capt. Franklin, and the Wyo- 
ming volunteers." Serjeants Allison and Thornbury were raised 
to the rank of ensigns, in Col. Hartley's regiment, for their distin- 
guished bravery in action. On the same day. Lord Butler was 
officially announced as " Quarter-Master at this post — to be obeyed 
as such ;" a son, then a youth, of Col. Z. Butler. His name will 
frequently occur in these annals. 

The middle of October had come and passed, and the dead yet lay 
on the field, unburied. Before the autumn frosts it had been impos- 
sible to perform the mournful duty. 

"Camp Westmoreland, Oct. 21, 1778.— Ordered, That there be 
a party, consisting of a lieutenant, two Serjeants, two corporals, and 
twenty-five men, to parade to-morrow morning, with arms, as a 
guard to those who will go to bury the remains of the men who were 
killed at the late battle, at and near the place called Wintermoot's 
Fort." On the 22d of October, therefore, the bodies were collected — 
a large hole dug, in which they were thrown, constant alarm from 
the enemy preventing a more ceremonious or respectful inhumation. 

But few could be recognised. Two brothers of the Ross family 
had fallen — Lieut. Perrin, aged thirty-one, and Jeremiah, nineteen. 
The former was known by a ring he wore. Reserving for a chapter 
of personal narrative, a more particular account of many who fell, 
we may here observe, to give the reader an impression of the sacri- 
fices families were obliged to make — that there were more than 
twenty who lost two in the battle ; in several instances father and 
son. The slaughter in Mr. Weeks' family, of seven, we have 
recorded, — Anderson Dana and Mr. Whiton, his newly married son- 
in-law ; old Mr. Searle, and Capt. Hevi^itt, his son-in-law, arjd two 
of Mr. Bullock's sons, have been mentioned. Of the Inman family, 
three lost their lives, (and one was subsequently murdered). Three 
of the Coreys fell. The Gores suffered most pitiably. Seven — 
five sons, and two sons-in-law, of Obadiah Gore, Esq., were in the 
battle, namely : — Daniel, Samuel, Asa, George, and Silas. — The sons- 
in-law were Timothy Pierce and John Murfee. At night, three of 
the sons, and the two sons-in-law lay on the field. Samuel escaped 
16 



242 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

unhurt, Daniel with his left arm shattered. Another son, Lieut. 
Obadiah Gore, was then away with the niain line of the army. 

The following is a list of the killed, so far as the persons could be 
recollected. Probably there might have been twenty or thirty more 
whose names were not remembered. 

FIELD OFFICERS. 

Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, Major John Garrett. 



Robert Durkee, 
Dethick Hewitt, 
Aholiab Buck, 

Wm. McKarrican, 

Samuel Hansom, 

James Welles, 
Timothy Pierce, 
Flavius Waterman, 
Aaron Gay lord, 
Lazarus Stewart, Jr., 



captains; 

James Bidlack, Jr., 
Asaph Whittlesey, 
Rezin Geer, 
Lazarus Stewart. 

LIEUTENANTS. 

Perrin Ross, 
Asa Stephens, 
Elijah Shoemaker, 
Stoddard Bowen, 
A. Atherton. 



ENSIGNS. 



Asa Gore, 
William White, 
Silas Gore, 

Christopher Avery, 
Jabez Atherton, 

Acke, 

A. Benedict, 



Jeremiah Bigford, 
Titus Hinmao. j 



PRIVATES. 



Jabez Beers, 
Elisha Bigsbee, 
Thomas Brown, 
Amos Bullock, 
Asa Bullock, 
John Brown, 
David Bigsbee, 
John Boyd, 
Joseph Budd, 
William Buck, 



Samuel Bigford, 
Henry Bush, 
Samuel Carey, 
Samuel Cole, 
Joseph Crocker, 
John Cortright, 
John Caldwell, 
Josiah Cameron, 
Robert Comstock, 
Kingsley Comstock, 
Samuel Crooker, 
William Coffrin, 
Joel Church, 
Joseph Corey, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 



243! 



Isaac Campbell, 
James CofFrin, 
Christopher Cortright, 
Jenks Corey 
Rufus Corey, 
Anson Corey, 
Anderson Dana, 

Dutcher^ 

Jabez Darling, 
William Dunn;^ 
D. Denton, 
Levi Dunn, 
James Divine, 
George Downing, . 
Conrad Davenport, 
Thomas Fuller, 
Stephen Fuller, 
Elisha Fish, 
Eliphalet Folet, 
Benjamin Finch, 
Daniel Finch, 
John Finch, 
Cornelius Fitchets, 
Thomas Foxen, 
John Franklin, 
George Gore, 
Silas -Gore, 
Samuel Hutchinson, 
James Hopkins, 
Silas Harvey, 
William Hammer, 
Levi Hicks, 
John Hutchins, 
Cyprean Hibbard^^ 
Nathaniel Howard, 
Benjamin Hatch, 
Elijah Inman, 
Israel Inman, 
Robert Mclntire, 
Samuel Jackson, 
Robert Jameson, 



Joseph Jennings, 
Henry Johnson, 
Francis Lepard, 
Daniel Lawrence, 
Josh. Landon, 
Conrad Lowe, 
Jacob Lowe, 
James Lock, 
William Lawrence, 
A. Meeleman, 
C. McCartee, 
Job Marshall, 
Nicholas Manvil, 
John Murphy, 
Nero Matthewson, 
Andrew Millard, 
Thomas Neil, 
Joseph Ogden, 
J. Otis, 
Abel Palmer, 
William Parker, 
Noah Pettibone, Jr., 
John Pierce, 
Silas Parke, 
Henry Pensil, 
Elias Roberts, 
Elisha Richards, 
Timothy Rose, 
Christopher Reynolds, 
Enos Rock way, 
Jeremiah Ross, 
Joseph Staples, 
Reuben Staples, 
Aaron Stark, 
Daniel Stark, 
Darius Spafford, 
Joseph Shaw, 
Abram Shaw, 
Rufus Stevens, 
Constant Searles, 
Nailer Swede, 



244 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 



James Stevenson, 
James Spencer, 
Levi Spencer, 
Eleazer Sprague, 
Josiah Spencer, 
Able Seeley, 
Ichabod Tuttle, 
John Vanwee, 
Abram Vangorder, 
James Wigton, 
Peter Wheeler, 
Jonathan Weeks, 
Philip Weeks, 



Bartholomew Weeks, 
Rufus Williams, 
Elihu Williams, Jr., 
Parker Wilson, 
Azibah Williams, 
John Wilson, 
John Ward, 
Esen Wilcox, 
Stephen Whiton, 
Elihu Waters, 
John Williams, 
Wm. Woodward, 
Ozias Yale. 



From the records at Hartford, was obtained the following List of 
Officers in the Militia, whose commissions were " established^^ by the 
Assembly, in October 1775. At the time of the battle, most of them 
held different commissions. How dreadful the slaughter must have 
been, may be inferred from the heavy loss among the officers. The 
company that lost none, was not present in the battle. 

October 1775. — 24i7i Regiment of Connecticut Militia. 



1st Company. 
Capt. Stephen Fuller, 
Lieut. John Garrett,* 
Ensign Christopher Avery.* 

2d Company. 
Capt. Nathaniel Landon, 
Lieut. George Dorrance,* 
Ensign Asahel Buck,* 

Sd Company. 
Capt. Samuel Ransom,* 
Lieut. Perrin Ross,* 
Ensign Asaph Whittlesey,* 



4th Company. 
Capt. Solomon Strong, 
Lieut. Jonathan Parker, 
Ensign Timothy Keys. 

5th Company. 
Capt. Wm. McKarrican,* 
Lieut. Lazarus Stewart,* 
Ensign Silas Gore.* 

6th Company. 
Capt. Rezin Geer,* 
Lieut. Daniel Gore, (wounded.) 
Ensign Matthias HoUenback. 



Those marked with an asterisk [ * ] were killed ; so that of 
fifteen, eleven were slain. 



All the early historians, who have related the massacre, stated 
that the houses of tories left, looked like islands in a sea of fire, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 245 

an error too important to remain uncontradicted. Below Winter- 
moot's, near the head of the Valley, it is not known that there was 
a single tory house or family. Individuals, labouring men, or hun- 
ters, there were a few, probably mingling with the inhabitants from 
policy. Above Wintermoot's, extending to Wyalusing, the tory 
families were scattered, their settlements being recent, holding 
but a partial intercourse, no sympathy existing between them and 
the Connecticut inhabitants. On a careful examination of a list found 
among the papers of Col. Butler, containing sixty-one names, three 
only are from New England. The names are of a different people. 
Wintermoots, Larraways, Van Alstines, Secords, etc., from the 
Mohawk, Kinderhook, Minnisink, and West Chester, New York. 
There is good reason to believe, on the breaking out of hostilities 
with Great Britain, that her comprehensive policy, which, while with 
gigantic grasp it embraced great interests, yet allowed nothing, how- 
ever comparatively trivial or minute, to escape attention, fore- 
seeing the necessity of cutting off all friendly communication between 
the zealous whig people of Wyoming and the Indians, and with 
views to ulterior measures, caused these tory families to remove, and 
take up the position they held. Gordon says : " An unusual number 
of strangers had come among them under various pretences." Cer- 
tainly there was no disposition of the same number of most devoted 
partisans, that could have enabled them to render so much service. 
But this matter has been adverted to before. 

Soon after Col. Hartley's return from the successful expedition just 
related, he was recalled from Wyoming, and a garrison left of about an 
hundred men, including Captain Spalding, and Captain Morrison's 
Companies, and Captain Franklin's Wyoming Volunteers, consisting 
of all the militia, who had returned to the Valley. Armed parties 
laboured in the fields, the necessity of sowing, though late, as much 
grain as possible, being apparent.* 



* Fifteen years after the battle, a number of Indians, among whom were several chiefs of 
distinction, passed through Wyoming, on their way to Philadelphia, on business with the 
Government. Apprehending danger, they sent word to Wilkesbarre, and an escort of re- 
spectable citizens turned out to accompany them into the town. In the evening a council 
was held, in the Court Room, where mutually pacific assurances were given. It is not surpri- 
sing, considering their cruel conduct during the war, that the Indians entertained fears for their 
safety. On their return, passing on the opposite side of the river from the battle ground, 
the old braves showed much excitement, talking and gesticulating, with great emphasis and 
spirit, as they seemed to be pointing out to the younger savages the position, and incidents of 
the conflict. I met Red Jacket at Washington in 1827 or 8, and strove to lead him to talk of 
Wyoming, but on that subject his lips were hermetically sealed. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Following almost immediately on the footsteps of Hartley's men, 
bands of marauding Indians again made their appearance. Sur- 
rounded as Wyoming is by mountains, whereon broken ledges of 
rocks afford innumerable places of shelter, parties would lie con- 
cealed, reconnoiter, and suddenly striking a blow, retire to their 
hiding places, where it was impossible to trace them. 

On the 2d of October, four of Captain Morrison's men were attack- 
ed on the west side of the river, three of whom were killed, and one 
escaped. Monotonous and melancholy, as the record may appear, 
duty bids us to follow it put. Oct. 14th. — William Jameson, return- 
ing home from Wilkesbarre, was shot near where the canal crosses 
the road below Careytown. Being wounded he fell from the horse, 
and attempted to gain the woods, but was pursued, tomahawked and 
scalped. A valuable young man in the prime of life, being twenty- 
six years of age. He had been in the battle, and escaped, and his 
scalp was therefore a doubly valuable prize to the Indians. 

November 7. — Mr. John Perkins was killed in Plymouth • a victim 
also, most gratifying to the revengeful savage, as Mr. Perkins had a 
son in Spalding's Independent Company. William Jackson, and Mr. 
Lester, taken from the mill at Nanticoke, were marched three miles 
up into Hanover, and then shot down. An aged man, spoken of 
as " old Mr. Hageman," a prisoner, escaped with six wounds, and 
survived, although the food he took oozed from a spear wound in his 
side. November 9th. — Captain Carr and Philip Goss, in attempting 
to fly in a canoe, were shot below Wapwallopen, and left ; the latter 
dead, the other dying on the shore. Robert Alexander and Amos 
Parker, were about the same time found murdered in the lower part 
of the Valley. 

Late in the fall, Isaac Inman was murdered in Hanover. We have 
stated the gallant array of determined men that family presented on 
the day of battle ; and the shot of Israel, laying an Indian dead, 
thereby saving the life of a neighbour closely pursued, and nearly ex- 
hausted. The sweet hour of revenge had now come. Isaac said he 
was sure he heard wild-turkeys; he would take his rifle, and try to 
get one. This was in the afternoon. Not long after a gun was 
heard, but Isaac did not return. A heavy snow fell that night, and 
lay till Spring, when his body was found, shot, scalped, and a war 
dub by his side, by its marks indicating the tribe that had done the 
deed. 

Even a more distressing tragedy than we have recorded, was 
enacted near Nescopeck, on the 19th. A whole family were butcher- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 247 

ed— John Utley, Elisha Utley, and Diah Utley, were attacked. 
The two first were shot down, and soon despatched. Diah, the 
youngest, fled to the river, and swam over to the west side, (near 
Beach Grove,) but an Indian had crossed before him in a canoe, 
and struck him with a tomahawk as he reached the shore. He 
plead for his life, but there was no mercy shown. The savages then 
entered the house, and having murdered and scalped the aged 
mother, placed her as in sport, in a chair, and so left her. The Ut- 
ley family were from the east side of the Connecticut river, in Hart- 
ford county. An eye witness of the scene that was presented the 
next moining, represents the remains of the slaughtered sons, and the 
ghastly appearance of the mother, as enough to awaken horror and 
pity in a breast of marble. 

Jonathan Slocum, a man with a large family, a member of 
Friend's Society, had always been with characteristic benevolence, 
kind to the Indians. At first the savages left him unmolested, but 
probably learning that his son Giles was in the battle, the family were 
marked for vengeance. A respectable neighbour, Nathan Kingsley, 
had been made prisoner, and taken into the Indian country, leaving 
his wife and two sons to the charity of the neighbours. Taking them 
home, Mr. Slocum bade them welcome, until Mr. Kingsley should be 
liberated, or some other mode of subsistence present. On the 2d of 
November, the two boys being engaged grinding a knife, a rifle shot, 
and cry of distress, brought Mrs. Slocum to the door, where she 
beheld an Indian scalping Nathan, the eldest lad, fifteen years of age, 
with the knife he had been sharpening. Waving her back with his 
hand, he entered the house, and took up Ebenezer Slocum, a little 
boy. The mother stepped up to the savage, and reaching for the 
child, said : " He can do you no good, see, he is lame." With a 
grim smile, giving up the boy, he took Frances her daughter, aged 
about five years, gently in his arms, and seizing the younger Kings- 
ley by the hand, hurried away to the mountains ; two savages who 
were with him, taking a black girl, seventeen years old.* This was 
within an hundred rods of the Wilkesbarre fort. An alarm was in- 
stantly given, but the Indians eluded pursuit, and no traces of their 
retreat could be found. 

The cup of vengeance was not yet full. December 16th, (or about 
forty days, allowing time for the war party to go to the Indian country 
with their prisoners, recruit themselves, and return,) Mr. Slocum, and 

* The coloured girl was afterwards seen hy prisoners, in the family of Col. John Butler, at 
Niagara, who had purchased her of the Indians. 



248 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Isaac Tripp, Esq., his father-in-law, an aged man, with William Slo- 
cum, a youth of nineteen, or twenty, were foddering cattle from a stack 
in the meadow, in sight of the fort, when they were fired upon by In- 
dians. Mr. Slocum was shot dead ; Mr. Tripp wounded, speared, and 
tomahawked; both were scalped. William, wounded by a spent ball 
in the heel, escaped, and gave the alarm, but the alert and wily foe 
had retreated to their hiding place in the mountain. This deed, bold 
as it was cruel, was perpetrated within the town plot, in the centre 
of which the fort was located. Thus in little more than a month, 
Mrs. Slocum had lost a beloved child, carried into captivity; the 
doorway had been drenched in blood by the murder of an inmate 
of the family; two others of the household had been taken away 
prisoners; and now, her husband and her father were both stricken 
down to the grave, murdered and mangled by merciless Indians! 
Verily the annals of Indian atrocities, written in blood, record few 
instances of desolation and woe to equal this. . 

I shall make no apology for anticipating more than half a century, 
in my narrative, to give a brief account of the lost sister, the little 
captive, Frances Slocum, so that the whole may be presented in one 
connected chain. The widowed mother heard nothing from her 
child. Peace came, and prisoners returned, but no one had seen, or 
could tell aught respecting her. As to those whom she knew were 
dead, they were at rest ; the lamp of hope, as to them, had ceased to 
burn ; and she bowed, as years passed away, in melancholy, but calm 
resignation, for those who could not return. But not so as to Fran- 
ces ; she might survive. She did live the cherished object of inten- 
sest love in the imagination of her fond mother, rendered ten-fold 
dearer by the blighting sorrows that crushed her house, when they 
were parted. Her first waking thought in the morning was for her 
lost one; her last, on retiring to rest, was for her child, her lost 
child. After the conclusion of peace, and intercourse with Canada 
was opened, two of her brothers, then amongst the most intelligent 
and enterprising young men in the Valley, led by their own sense 
of propriety and affection, and urged by a mother's tears, determin- 
ed, if living, to find Frances, and restore her to home and friends. 
Connecting business with their search, they traversed the Indian 
settlements, and went as far as Niagara, making careful inquiries 
for Frances. The Indians, whom they saw, and inquired of in great 
numbers, did not know, or more probably would not reveal, the place 
of her location. High rewards, suflScient to tempt Indian cupidity, 
were offered in vain, and the brothers came to the conclusion that 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 249 

she must be dead, probably slain by her merciless captors ; or, 
surely she would have been heard of; some one must have seen her ! 

Still, still, the fond mother saw in her dreams the cherished object 
of her love. Playful — smiling, as in infancy, she appeared before 
her. Frances was not in the grave ; she knew she was not. Her 
afflicted soul clung to the idea of recovering her daughter, as the 
great and engrossing object of life. At length news came. A wo- 
man answering to the description was found, and claimed to be the 
child of Mrs. Slocum. About the proper age, she had been taken 
away captive when very young ; knew not her parents, nor her own 
name, but had been carried off from the Susquehanna river. Mrs. 
Slocum took her home, and treated her with all possible tenderness 
and care But soul did not answer to soul ; the spirit did not res- 
pond to spirit ; that secret and mysterious sympathy which exists 
between a mother and her offspring, did not draw them together. 
It might be her daughter, Mrs. Slocum said, but it did not seem so 
to her. " Yet the woman should be ever welcome." The unfortu- 
nate person, no impostor, an orphan indeed, simple and upright in 
intention, felt a persuasion in her own mind that these were not her 
relations, and taking presents, voluntarily returned to her Indian 
friends. At length time obliterated the last ray of hope, and Mrs. 
Slocum, at an advanced age, descended to the grave. 

In August, 1837, fifty-nine years after the capture, a letter appear- 
ed in the Lancaster Intelligencer, written by G. W. Ewing, of 
Logansport, Indiana, dated January 20, 1835, a year and a half 
previous, stating : — " There is now living near this place, among the 
Miami tribe of Indians, an aged white woman, who, a few days ago 
told me that she was taken away from her father's house, on, or 
near the Susquehanna river, when she was very young. She says 
her father's name was Slocum ; that he was a quaker, and wore a 
large brimmed hat ; that he lived about half a mile from a town 
where there was a fort. She has two daughters living. Her hus- 
band is dead — she is old and feeble, and thinks she shall not live 
long. These considerations induced her to give the present history 
of herself — which she never would before, fearing her kindred would 
come and force her away. She has lived long, and happy as an 
Indian — is very respectable, and wealthy, sober, and honest — Her 
name is without reproach." 

The sensation produced by this letter throughout Wyoming, can 
scarcely be imagined. " Is it Frances ? Can she be alive ? How won- 
derful !" Not an idle hour was lost. Her brother, Joseph Slocum, 



250 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

though near a thousand miles intervened, moved by affection, a sense 
of duty — and the known wishes of a beloved parent, made immediate 
preparations for a journey. Uniting with his younger brother, Isaac, 
who resides in Ohio, they hastened to Logansport, where they had 
the good fortune to meet Mr. Ewing. Frances, who resides about 
a dozen miles from that place, was soon apprised of their coming. 
While hope predominated, doubt and uncertainty, amounting almost 
to jealousy or suspicion, occupied her mind. She came into the 
village riding a high-spirited horse, her two daughters, tastefully 
dressed in Indian costume, accompanying her, with the husband of 
one of them, the elite among Indian beaux. Her manners w^ere 
grave, her bearing reserved ; she listened, through an interpreter, to 
what they had to say. But night approached. Cautious and pru- 
dent, she rode back to her home, promising to return the coming 
morning. At the appointed hour she alighted from her steed, and 
met them with something more of frankness, but still seemed desirous 
of further explanation. It was evident on all sides they were almost 
prepared for the recognition. Mr. Joseph Slocum at length said, what 
he had so far purposely kept back, that their sister, at play in their 
father's smith-shop with the children, had received a blow on the 
middle finger of the left hand, by a hammer on the anvil, which 
crushed the bone, and the mother had always said that would be a 
test which could not be mistaken. Her whole countenance was 
instantly lighted up with smiles, while tears ran down her cheeks, as 
she held out the wounded hand. Every lingering doubt was dis- 
pelled. Hope was merged into confidence. The tender embrace, 
the welcome recognition, the sacred, the exulting glow of brotherly 
and sisterly affection, filled every heart present to overflowing. Her 
father! Her dear, dear mother Jr Did she yet live? But they must 
long since, in the course of nature, have been gathered to their native 
dust. Her brothers and sisters? The slumbering affections awa- 
kened to life, broke forth in earnest inquiries for all whom she should 
love. 

She then related the leading events of her life. Her memory, 
extremely tenacious, enabled her to tell, that, on being taken, her 
captors hastened to a rocky cave on the mountain, where blankets 
and a bed of dried leaves, showed that they had slept. On the 
journey to the Indian country she was kindly treated, the Indian 
carrying her, when she was weary, in his arms. She was immedi- 
ately adopted into an Indian family, and brought up as their daughter, 
but with more than common tenderness. Young Kingsley, who was 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 25t 

located near them, in a few years died. About the time she had 
grown up to womanhood, both her Indian parents, whom she loved 
and mourned, were taken away, and not long afterwards, she mar- 
ried a young Chief of the Nation, and removed to the waters of the 
Ohio. Treated with respect and confidence, few of the burdens 
women in the savage state are compelled to bear, were imposed upon 
her ; and she was so happy in her family and connexions, that the 
idea of being found, and returned to live with the white people, was 
dreaded as the greatest evil that could befall her. On the death of 
her Chief, she married her last husband, but has been a widow for 
many years. After stating, though with much more minuteness, the 
principal events of her life, with great solemnity she raised her hand, 
and looking up, said : — " All this is true as that there is a God (or 
Great Spirit), in the Heavens." 

It is evident from her wealth, the extreme attachment to her 
people, and mode of life, connected with the strength of mind and 
memory displayed, that Frances Slocum must have been a Queen 
among them. Doubtless her superior understanding gave great in- 
fluence, and led to a flattering deference to her opinions every where, 
in savage or civilized society, so agreeable. All possible pains had 
therefore been taken to render life pleasant to her ; and doubtless to 
imbue her mind with fear and dislike of the whites, so that she would 
not make known her name, and earnestly desired, when prisoners 
were inquired for, that she might not be betrayed, deeming a return, 
not a blessing to be desired, but a calamity to be deplored. Un- 
doubtedly too, her strong sense told her, not by any process of 
reasoning, but by intuitive perception, that however much a mother's 
heart might yearn for the lost child, that child could only return so 
changed as to render living with the white people difficult, and em- 
barrassing, if not impossible. Time and education had made her 
of another race, and the truest wisdom dictated acquiescence in her 
lot. 

The next day the brothers, with the Interpreter, rode out to visit 
their sister. Every thing bore the appearance, not only of plenty, 
but of rude abundance. Numerous cattle grazed in the meadows — 
fifty horses pranced proudly over the fields. The house was half 
way between the Indian wigwam, and the more finished mansion of 
a farmer. An oven, well baked cakes of flour, venison nicely pre- 
pared, and honey, aflforded an excellent repast. But the absence of 
milk and butter, so easily commanded in profusion, told of savage 



252 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

life. As a token of entire confidence being established, Frances 
placed a piece of venison under a snow white cloth, when one of the 
brothers lifted it up, and this was regarded as a formal covenant of 
recognition and affection. An agreeable visit of several days was 
passed, and has since been repeated by another branch of the 
family. 

The Indian name of the lost sister was 

Ma-con-a-quah — a young bear. 

Eldest daughter. Kich-ke-ne-che-quah — cut-finger; probably 

in allusion to the mother's wounded hand. 

Youngest daughter. 0-saw-she-quah — yellow leaf. 

Grand-children. Kip-pe-no-quah — corn tassel. 

Wap-pa-no-se-a — blue corn. 

Kim-on-sah-quah — young panther. 

Congress recently passed a resolution exempting Frances (the lost 
sister) from the necessity of removing with her family from their 
present location. Several other Indian names, more remotely allied 
to her, are therein mentioned. 

Mrs. Bennett, daughter of Joseph Slocum, and lady of the Hon. 
Ziba Bennett, with the most praiseworthy disregard of toil and 
danger, accompanied her father on his second visit to Indiana. Her 
account of the interview with her aunt, is of a most interesting and 
pleasing character. It is to be hoped she may be induced to give 
her journal and notes the form of letters, or a pamphlet, for there are 
few so capable of sketching a lively and correct narrative, or of pre- 
senting a picture, of itself so full of interest, in a form more neat 
and attractive. 

Their not comprehending each other's language, was of course a 
serious bar to social enjoyment, and that unreserved and affectionate 
intercourse, which, without the intervention of an interpreter, they 
would have indulged in. We regard this as one of the most remark- 
able series of events Providence, in its unsearchable wisdom, has ever 
permitted to be developed. It may gratify the distant reader to 
know, as it is a pleasure to record, that the encrimsoned night of 
bloodshed and woe, which seemed in 1778 to have settled forever on 
the family of Slocum, has long since broken away. Sunshine, and 
gladness, and prosperity have arisen, and shed their cheering rays 
over them in an especial manner, during the last forty years. A 
number of the sons, highly enterprising, have fulfilled their duties on 
the stage of action, with exemplary propriety. One was High 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 353 

Sheriff of the county ; another for many years a magistrate. Others 
might have shared the honours of office, if they would have given up 
their time to public concerns, to the neglect of their own. And now 
(1843) if the eye of the departed grandsire could look down on the 
Borough, he would see in the position of his descendants, sufficient 
to fill his heart to overflowing with pride and joy. Forgetting his 
own sufferings, his spirit would bless the day that he established his 
family — 

" On Susquehanna's side, fair Wyoming." 

Resuming our narrative, a paragraph of praise is specially due to 
Thomas Neill, an Irishman, of middle age, the most learned man in 
the Valley. A Catholic, a high-mason, fond of dress — remarkable 
for his fine flow of spirits and pleasing manners ; a bachelor, and a 
schoolmaster, he was a favorite. With characteristic bravery, his 
Irish spirit broke out as the danger became pressing. " The Yankees 
are the weakest party — the odds are against them — though I have 
no special interest in the fight, so help me Heaven ! I'll take a turn 
with them." Marching out in Capt. M'Karrican's company, he fell. 
Nor should the generous spirit of Wm. Jones of Virginia, be for- 
gotten. A young man, quite accomplished, he taught school in the 
Valley, and, like Neill, volunteered his services on the day of battle. 
He went to return no more. The names of these two victims to 
those pure and chivalric sentiments that ennoble our nature, I owe to 
the memory of the late Mrs. Youngs. 



Copies and Extracts of Documents relative to the Expedition against 
Wyoming, in 1778, now in a volume in Her Majesty^ s State Paper 
Office, London, entitled "Military, 1778.— No. 122." 

Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton, to Lord George Ger- 
main, dated New York, August 12, 1778. 
* * * * " Reports, which seem to be credited, say that a body of 
Indians, assembled under the command of a Colonel Butler, have 
destroyed a number of settlements upon the frontiers of Pennsylva- 
nia, and repulsed what troops the rebels had collected to oppose 
them. When I receive certain intelligence of their proceedings, I 
shall take the earliest opportunity to acquaint your Lordship there- 
with." * * * 



254 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton to Lord George Ger- 
main, dated New York, September 15th, 1778. 

* * * "I have at the same time, my Lord, the honour to trans- 
mit to you, a copy of a letter from Major Butler to Lieutenant Colo- 
nel Bolton, which I received from General Haldimand, a few days 
since, giving an account of the proceedings of the former upon the 
frontiers of Pennsylvania." 

[Enclosures in the above.] 

Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Bolton to Captain Le 
Maistre, dated Niagara, July 14th, 1778. 

" Sir, — I have the pleasure of acquainting you with the signal 
success of the Rangers and Indians, with Col. Butler, over the rebels 
at Wiomino-, where they had no less than ten stockaded forts, and 
were defeated ; enclosed, I send you the particulars, which I request 
you will lay before His Excellency. I received them this moment, 
by Lieut. Hare, of the Rangers. The Caldwell being ready to sail, 
I have only time to assure you that I am, with esteem, Sir, your 
most obedient humble servant. 

" [Signed,] Mason Bolton. 

" I request you'l inform Capt. Butler of the Colonel's success. 
" Captain Le Maistre." 

[Enclosed in the foregoing. — Copy of a Letter from Major John But- 
ler to Lieut. Col. Bolton, dated Lacuwanack, 8th July, 1778.] 

[Disallowed at the Foreign OiBce,] 

Note by Mr. Brodhead. — This is the Report, It is about four 
foolscap pages long. J. R. B. 

[Third Enclosure.] 

Copy of Articles of Capitulation, for Wintermoot's Fort, July 1, 1778. 

Art. 1st. That Lieut. Elisha Scovell surrender the Fort, with all 
the stores, arms and ammunition, that are in said fort, as well public 
as private, to Major John Butler. 

2d. That the garrison shall not bear arms during the present con- 
test; and Major Butler promises that the men, women and children 
shall not be hurt, either by Indians or Rangers. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 255 

Fort Jenkins' Fort, July 1st, 1778. 
Between Major John Butler, on behalf of His Majesty King George 
the Third, and John Jenkins. 

Art. 1st. That the Fort, with all the stores, arms and ammuni- 
tion, be delivered up immediately. 

2d. That Major John Butler shall preserve to them, intire, the 
lives of the men, women and children. 

Articles of Capitulation for three Forts at Lacuwanack, 4th July,1778„ 

Art. 1st. That the different Commanders of the said Forts, do im- 
mediately deliver them up, with all the arms, ammunition and stores, 
in the said forts. 

2d. Major Butler promises that the lives of the men, women and 
children be preserved intire. 

Westmoreland, July 4th, 1778. 
Capitulation made and completed between Major John Butler, on 
behalf of His Majesty King George the Third, and Col. Nathan 
Denniston, of the United States of America. 

Art. 1. That the inhabitants of the settlement lay down their 
arms, and the garrisons be demolished. 

2d. That the inhabitants are to occupy their farms peaceably, and 
the lives of the inhabitants preserved intire and unhurt. 

3d. That the continental stores be delivered up. 

4th. That Major Butler will use his utmost influence that the pri- 
vate property of the inhabitants shall be preserved intire to them. 

5th. That the prisoners, in Forty Fort, be delivered up, and that 
Samuel Finch, now in Major Butler's possession, be delivered up 
also. 

6lh. That the property taken from the people called Tories, up 
the river, be made good ; and they to remain in peaceable possession 
of their farms, unmolested in a free trade, in and throughout this 
State, as far as lies in my power. 

7th. That the inhabitants, that Colonel Denniston now capitulates 
for, together with himself, do not take up arms during the present 
contest. 

[Signed,] Nathan Denniston, 



Zarah Beech, Samuel Gustin, 

John Johnson, Wm. Caldwell, 



John Butlek,. 



256 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Extract of a Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, dated Whitehall, 4th of November, 1778. 

* * * * # a The success of Lieutenant-Colonel Butler, is distin- 
guished for the few lives that have been lost among the Rangers and 
Indians he commanded ; and for his humanity in making those only 
his object, who were in arms : And it is much to the credit of the 
officers and Rangers of his detachment, that they seem to partake of 
the spirit and perseverance which is common to all the British 
officers and soldiers." * * * * 

[Copied from the originals in the State Paper Office, London, 11th 
April, 1843.] 

J. R. Brodhead. 



Some matters of interest will be found in this note. The letter of Judge Marshall, dated 
February 15, 1831, is curious in this respect. It acknowledges in simple style, the receipt 
of a letter written twenty-Jive years before, as if it had been a thing of day before yesterday. 
It may well be doubted, whether the records of correspondence, from remotest time, exhibit a 
similar instance. 

Washington, Feb'y 15th, 1831. 

Sir — I am much indebted to you for a letter received in April, 1806, correcting some 
errors into which our history has fallen, in its relation of the destruction of the Wyoming 
settlement, during the war of our revolution. The readiness you express in that letter, to 
give a true statement of that memorable tragedy, encourages me to make some further in- 
quiries on the subject. 

Your account of the battle is full, and I understand it perfectly ; but you have entered 
into no detail of subsequent events, and I am not sure whether you contradict or agree with 
Gordon and Ramsay, respecting those events. They say that the two principal forts were 
Kingston and Wilkesbarre. That after the defeat, the men, women and children were col- 
lected in these forts, and after their surrender, were consumed by fire, in their houses. Is this 
representation correct 1 I should conjecture, from your letter, that the country was aban- 
doned immediately after the defeat ; but it seems impossible that all the circumstances rela- 
tive to the surrender of the forts, and the horrors perpetrated afterwards, can be mere fable. 
You do not say from what place Colonels Dennison and Butler marched to the battle. 

May I tax your goodness so far as to ask a statement of the occurrences which followed the 
battle, unless that made by Gordon and Ramsay, may be considered as perfectly correct 1 

I shall remain at this place until the middle of March, when I purpose to return to Rich- 
mond. With very great respect, I am your obliged and obedient servant, 

J. Marshall. 

Richmond, June 9th, 1831. 
Dear Sir, — I am greatly indebted to you for your letter of the 5th of May, and its en- 
closures, which reached this place, while I was in North Carolina. I have been closely occu- 
pied with the business of the court since my return ; but should certainly have acknowledged 
its receipt immediately, had 1 not conjectured from the place of its date (Wilkesbarre,) that 
a letter written immediately, would not find you at home. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 357 

It is certainly desirable that historical narrative should be correct, and 1 shall avail myself 
of the information you have been so obliging as to furnish, so far at least as to omit the mas- 
sacre and the charge of toryism on the inhabitants. 

Mr. Ramsay, I presume, copied his statement from Mr. Gordon, and 1 relied upon both, as 
I knew Mr. Gordon made personal inquires into most of the events of the war, and that Mr. 
Ramsay was in Congress, and consequently had access to all the letters on the subject. It is 
surprising that they should have so readily given themselves up to the newspapers of the day. 

It was certainly our policy during the war to excite the utmost possible irritation against 
our enemy, and it is not surprising that we should not always have been very mindful of the 
verity of our publications ; but when we come to the insertion of facts in serious history, 
truth ought never to be disregarded. Mr. Gordon and Mr. Ramsay ought to have sought 
for it. 

I must complain* of your paying the postage on your letter. It is my habit, when 1 write 
to a gentleman about my own affairs, not to charge him with my letter; but when a gen- 
tleman writes to me on my business, the case is entirely altered. I am pained at his incur- 
ring any expense on my account. 

I repeat my thanks for your valuable communications, and my assurances that I am with 
respectful esteem, your obliged and obedient servant, 

J. Marshall. 

Gordon's (the Revolutionary historian) account of the massacre, we copy to show what has 
passed heretofore, for history ; and what half the world seem still resolved to regard as such. 
A recent publication in a respectable city paper, retains the whole mass of early errors, and 
a letter to the author from a learned gentleman, vyhose wife's father was in Forty Fort, 
when it surrendered, written expressly to convey information for our annals, repeats the story 
of "the hatchet,'' and instant massacre of all who were in the fort, although his father-in- 
law and wife, both prisoners, escaped to relate 10 him the event. The pages of Botta, are yet 
more fanciful. But to Gordon's account : — 

"At length, in the beginning of July, the enemy suddenly appeared in full force on the 
Susquehannah, headed by Col. John Butler, a Connecticut tory, and cousin to Col. Zebu- 
Ion Butler, the second in command in the settlement. He was assisted by most of those 
leaders, who had rendered themselves terrible in the present frontier war. Their force was 
about 1600 men, near a fourth Indians, led by their own chiefs; the others were so dis- 
guised and painted as not to be distinguished from the Indians, excepting their officers, who 
being dressed in regimentals, carried the appearance of regulars. One of the smaller forts, 
garrisoned chiefly by tories, was given up, or rather betrayed. Another was taken by storm, 
and all but the women and children, massacred in the most inhuman manner. 

July 3. — Col. Zebulon Butler, leaving a small number to guard Fort Wilkesborough, cross- 
ed the river with about 400 men, and marched into Kingston Fort, whither the women, chil- 
dren, and defenceless of all sorts, crowded for protection. He suffered himself to be enticed 
by his cousin to abandon the fortress. He agreed to march out, and hold a conference with 
the enemy in the open field, (at so great a distance from the fort, as to shut out all possi- 
bility of protection from it) upon their withdrawing according to their own proposal, in order 
to the holding of a parley for the conclusion of a treaty. He at about the same time march- 
ed out about 400 men well armed, being nearly the whole strength of the garrison, to guard 
his person to the place of parley, such was his distrust of the enemy's designs. On his 
arrival, he found nobody to treat with him, and yet advanced toward the foot of the mountain, 
where at a distance he saw a flag, the holders of which, seemingly afraid of treachery on his 
side, retired as he advanced; whilst he, endeavoring to remove this preter.ded ill impression, 
pursued the flag, till his party was thoroughly enclosed, when he was suddenly freed from his 

■ I had commenced the correspondence in 1806, as a Wyoming man, to vindicate our own people, and thought 
the pay ment proper. 

17 



258 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

delusion, by finding it attacked at once on every side. He and his men, notwithstanding the 
surprise and danger, fought with resolution and bravery, and kept up so continual and 
heavy a fire for three quarters of an hour, that they seemed to gain a marked superiority. In 
this critical moment, a soldier, through a sudden impulse of fear, or premeditated treachery, 
cried out aloud, " the Colonel has ordered a retreat." The fate of the party was now at 
once determined. In the state of confusion that ensued, an unresisted slaughter commenced, 
while the enemy broke in on all sides without obstruction. Col. Zebulon Butler, and about 
seventy of his men, escaped ; the latter got across the river to Fort Wilkesborough, the 
Colonel made his way to Fort Kingston, which was invested the next day (July 4,) on the 
land side. The enemy, to sadden the drooping spirits of the weak remaining garrison, sent 
in for their contemplation the bloody scalps of one hundred and ninety-six of their late 
friends and comrades. They kept up a continual fire upon the fort the whole day. In 
the evening, the Colonel quitted the fort, and went down the river with his family. He is 
thought to be the only officer that escaped. 

July 5. — Col. Nathan Denison, who succeeded to the command, seeing the impossibility 
of an effectual defence, went with a flag to Col. John Butler, to know what terms he would 
grant on a surrender, to which application Butler answered with more than savage phlegm, 
in two short words — the hatchet. Denison having defended the fort till most of the garrison 
were killed or disabled, was compelled to surrender at discretion. Some of the unhappy 
persons in the fort were carried away alive, but the barbarous conquerors, to save the trouble 
of murder in detail, shut up the rest promiscuously in the houses and barracks, which having 
set on fire, they enjoyed the savage pleasure of beholding the whole consumed in one gene- 
ral blaze. 

They then crossed the river to the only remaining fort, Wilkesborough, which, in hopes of 
mercy, surrendered without demanding any conditions. They found about seventy conti- 
nental soldiers, who had been engaged merely for the defence of the frontiers, whom they 
butchered with every circumstance of horrid cruelty. The remainder of the men, with the 
women and children, were shut up as before in the houses, which being set on fire, they 
perished altogether in the flames. 

A general scene of devastation was now spread through all the townships. Fire, sword, 
and the other diflferent instruments of destruction, alternately triumphed. The settlements 
of thetories alone generally escaped, and appeared as islands in the midst of the surrounding 
ruin. The merciless ravagers, having destroyed the main objects of their cruelty, directed 
their animosity to every part of living nature belonging to them : shot and destroyed some of 
their cattle, and cut out the tongues of others, leaving them still alive to prolong their 
agonies. 

The following are a few of the more singular circumstances of the barbarity practised 
in the attack upon Wyoming. Capt. Bidlack. who had been taken prisoner, being stripped 
naked, had his body stuck full of splinters of pine knots, and then a heap of pine knots 
piled around him ; the whole was then set on fire, and his two companions, Captains Ransom 
and Durkee, thrown alive into the flames, and held down with pitchforks. The returned 
tories, who had at different times abandoned the settlement, in order to join in those savage 
expeditions, were the most distinguished for their cruelty ; in this they resembled the tories 
that joined the British forces. One of these Wyoming tories, whose mother had married a 
second husband, butchered with his own hands, both her, 'his father-in-law, his own sisters, 
and their infant children. Another, who during his absence had sent home several threats 
against the life of his father, now not only realized them in person, but was himself with his 
own hands, the exterminator of his whole family, mother, brothers and sisters, and mingled 
their blood in one common carnage, with that of the ancient husband and father."* 

* Which particularly related facts, we believe, from careful inquiry, to be without the shadow of foundation. 



LETTEE XIX. 



1779. Projected expedition into Indian Country — {*Note, Letter of Gen. Hand) — Lieut> 

John Jenkins — Gershom Hicks — Washington — Renewed invasion by Savages — Capt. 
Bidlack taken prisoner — Two hundred warriors' attack upon Wilkesbarre Fort, repelled — 
Serjeant Williams' gallant conduct — Lieut. Buck — Stephen Pettibone and Elihu Williams 
murdered — Follet, speared and scalped — Col. Butler reinforced — Maj Powell's advance — 
— Capt. Davis, Lieut. Jones and four men killed on Laurel Run — Audacity of the Indians 
— Array for the Northern Campaign — Capt. John Paul Schotts — Sullivan's army arrive 
at Wilkesbarre — Military execution — Ascent of boats — Indian admirable war policy — 
McDonald and Hiockoto's attack near Sunbury on Sullivan's left — {*Note, anecdote of 
McDonald) — Brandt's attack and massacre at Minisink— on Sullivan's right — Fixed 
purpose of Sullivan — Departure of the army for the North — Grand display — Incident of 
March — Union vpith Gen. Clinton at Tioga — Battle on Chemung — Indian country 
devastated — Melancholy fate of Lieut. Boyd and party — Army retires — Treat of welcome 
at Wyoming — Gen. Sullivan — Congress — Civil affairs — Town meeting — Answer to Mrs. 
Bidlack's Petition. 



Immediately after Col. Hartley's gallant excursion into the Indian 
territory, and victory at Sheshequin, his Excellency,General Wash- 
ington, formed the design of sending a powerful force into the heart 
of the Six Nations, at once to chastise them for their cruelty, and by 
laying waste their settlements, to dislodge them from their position, so 
dangerously near to the American frontier. It was resolved to carry 
the war into their own country, and if possible to force the Savages 
back to Niagara. Having for centuries, not only inhabited the head 
waters of the Susquehanna, the Delaware and Mohawk; on the 
delightful borders of the lesser lakes ; and westward to the beautiful 
Genesee, a perfect Indian Paradise ; but time out of mind having 
established within those limits the council fire at Onondago, where 
the "Great Head" had exercised power and dominion over vassal 
nations ; it could not be doubted but every impulse of a lofty ambi- 
tion — the meaner, but not less active principle of revenge — the 
natural love of home and country, which warms with ardour even 
the savage breast, all sustained by the policy and power of England, 



260 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

would arouse the enemy to the most determined resistance. To send 
a force fully adequate to the object to be accomplished, was obviously 
the only effective, and consequently the most economical policy. An 
invasion during the winter had been proposed, but was wisely re- 
linquished.* 

Preparatory to a summer campaign, Gen. Hand, then at Mini- 
sink, by order from his Excellency, addressed a series of inquiries to 
Col. Zebulon Butler, in command at Wyoming, embracing every 
point on which information could be desirable. The distance and 
route to the nearest Indian settlements ; their position and extent ; 
facilities of obtaining subsistence ; means of transportation in boats 
up the Susquehanna, &c. In his reply, Col. Butler takes pleasure 
in expressing his particular obligations to Lieut. John Jenkins, whose 
thorough knowledge, and judicious observations upon the subject, 
were of eminent service. 

A letter from Col. Patterson, dated at Northumberland in March, 
1779, to Col. Butler, throws light upon other measures adopted to 
obtain correct information. " Mr. Lemmon," says Col. P., " goes to 
your post, to wait the return, and take into his care Gershom Hicks, 
who is not to be examined or searched until he goes before his Excel- 
lency Gen. Washington. I inclose you his Excellency's letter. Be 
careful that your people, who are out on duty, or fatigue, receive 
Hicks, who may appear painted, and in a canoe. His regimentals I 
have sent by Mr. Lemmon." We cannot withhold the remark, that 
the duties of Washington, embracing generally all the civil, as well 
as military affairs of the country, and descending to the minutest 
details of every expedition, would seem to have been great and 
perplexing, beyond human power to perform. A frame of iron, and 
a mind of steel, would appear to have been requisite for the mere 
labour. But when to this is added his views, comprehensive, liberal, 
and accurate; his thorough knowledge of human nature; his pro- 
found wisdom and spotless patriotism, the whole warp and woof of 
his soul being composed of devotion to his country, without one single 
thread of selfishness or personal ambition, it is impossible to look 

* A letter from Gen. Hand, dated Minisink, January 13th, 1779, to Col. Butler, says: — 
" Your favour of the lOth inst. now lies before me. I am much obliged to you for the dili- 
gence you have used, and the candour with which you give your information and advice on 
so important a subject. Your sentiments and those of Capt. Stoddart justify his Excellency 
General Washington's apprehensions of tlie impracticability, or at best the doubtful success 
of an expedition at this season, insomuch that 1 am persuaded the intelligence I now receive 
from the Susquehanna, which he has desired me to transmit to him, will determine him to 
sive over all thought of it." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 261 

upon the great and good man, without reverently believing that he 
was specially raised up, and imbued with wisdom and strength from 
above, to rescue a nation from bondage, and establish freedom in 
America. 

Savage hate, instead of being satiated by the sufferings of Wyo- 
ming, seemed, like the tiger that has tasted human blood, to be 
aroused to inappeasable fury. 

The chief part of Col. Hartley's regiment having been withdrawn, 
Col. Butler was left in command of the fort at Wilkesbarre, with 
only about one hundred men. That vigilant officer, respectfully, but 
with spirit remonstrated with Gen. Hand, who returned for answer, 
that the power did not rest with him to remedy the evil. 

In December of the preceding year several murders are recorded 
in our last letter as having been perpetrated. Scarcely sixty days 
of repose had been allowed to Wyoming even amid the cold and 
storms of winter. In March bands of savages began to make their 
appearance, as if, from the contiguity of their towns, an incursion 
into the Valley, instead of being a toil, was but a pleasure party. On 
the 21st of the month, unapprised of danger, Josiah Rogers and 
Capt. James Bidlack, both aged men, were crossing the flats, on their 
way to Plymouth. Springing from their covert, the savages failed 
in an attempt to seize the bridles of their horses. A race ensued of 
intense interest. The girth of Capt. Bidlack's saddle breaking, he 
was thrown and made prisoner. Several bullets perforated the 
clothes of Mr. Rogers, who happily escaped the painful captivity 
of his companion, whose misfortune was doubly distressing to his 
family, as his son James had fallen in the battle. A large number 
were seen advancing over the Kingston flats, towards a block-house 
erected on that side of the river, and in full view from the Wilkes- 
barre fort. The boldness of their advance showed confidence in their 
strength, and left no doubt but they were informed of the feeble state 
of the garrison. Plunder appeared to be their object, for while a 
small portion acted as a guard, the remainder, dividing into small 
parties, began to drive off" all the horses and cattle they could find. 
Col. Butler immediately detached twenty-five men to the aid of those 
in the block-house. A charge was made on the enemy, who re- 
treated, keeping at a respectful distance, evidently intending to draw 
the detachment into an ambuscade. On approaching the woods, a 
larger portion was discovered, which rendered a retreat prudent ; 
whereupon the enemy advanced. A smart skirmish ensued, several 
men were wounded, but none mortally. Our people had to suffer the 



262 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

deep mortification of seeing sixty head of cattle, and twenty horses 
carried away by the marauding horde, without the power (from the 
most ill advised policy) of either protection or chastisement. 

On the 23rd, the savages and tories, finding that their strength had 
been discovered, and an ambush was hopeless, boldly developed 
themselves, and showed by their numbers that this was in truth, a 
second invasion. Two hundred and fifty warriors, in a semicircle, 
approached the Wilkesbarre fort, as if with intent to carry it by 
storm. A brisk fire was opened upon them, the four pounder being 
brought to bear. After peace, it was ascertained the Indian chief 
who led the charge was killed by a cannon ball. What further loss 
they sustained is not known, but they were repulsed, not, however, 
until they had made themselves masters of fifty-one head of cattle, 
ten horses, and burnt three barns containing hay and grain, and two 
houses. A heavy snow fell on the 24th. Smoke from Indian fires, 
where they encamped at night, or burnt some house or barn, left by 
accident or caprice the preceding campaign, continued to mark their 
presence and route until the 28th. When these disgraceful and dis- 
tressing particulars were communicated by Col. Butler to the Board 
of War, one of the members said hastily, in pijesence of the mes- 
senger : — " It is impossible — it can't be so !" So fatal was the folly 
or delusion, that Wyoming, on the very borders of the Six Nations 
of warriors, needed no defence. On learning the remarks of the 
gentleman, with the spirit of a soldier Col. Butler immediately wrote 
— " That no oflicer who properly regarded his own honour, would, 
without the slightest evidence, call in question the honour of a bro- 
ther soldier." 

The gallant defence of his father's house, by Serjeant Thomas 
Williams, deserves to be specially recorded. An officer in Capt. 
Spalding's company, he was now stationed in the Valley. Within 
eighty rods of the fort, and supposed to be within its protection, 
lived Mr. Thaddeus Williams, originally of Fairfield county, Con- 
necticut. On the day the fort was attacked, a party of Indians made 
an assault on the house. The father, sick and confined to his bed, 
was unable to lend any assistance. Serjeant Williams, and a bro- 
ther, quite young, were the only persons capable of offering the 
least resistance. Twice the Indians rushed up to the door, and 
attempted in vain, to force an entrance. Several balls were fired 
into the house through openings in the logs, one of which severely 
wounded the sick father. All this was accompanied by horrid yells, 
as if demons had visited the upper air. Having lost a brother the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 263 

preceding fall, and belonging himself to the army, Mr. Williams 
knew his fate depended on his own coolness and courage. He could 
hope nothing from their mercy. He had two guns, one of which the 
lad loaded while he fired the other. Watching his time, and taking 
careful aim, one of the Indians fell, and was dragged away. Re- 
doubling their shouts the Indians returned with brands of fire, but 
another discharge, which wounded their leader, finally repelled them, 
leaving Serjeant Williams victor, and his aged father and mother, 
rescued from death. 

The Savages it was supposed had retired with their booty, but 
although the utmost caution was exercised, no vigilance could effectu- 
ally guard every point from danger. A band of twenty Indians 
suddenly returned, and on the Kingston side of the river, in sight 
from the Wilkesbarre fort, in broad daylight, murdered three valua- 
ble citizens; Mr. Elihu Williams, Lieut. Buck, and Mr. Stephen 
Pettebone. Frederick Follet, who was with them, fell pierced by 
seven wounds from a spear, and with the others was scalped, and 
left for dead. Instantly a detachment of men was sent over; the 
Indians had fled. Follet, weltering in blood, gave signs of life, and 
was taken to the fort. Dr. William Hooker Smith, on examining his 
wounds, said, that while every thing should be done that kindness and 
skill could suggest, he regarded his recovery as hopeless. Yet he did 
recover. One spear thrust had penetrated his stomach, so that its 
contents came out at his side. Mr. Follet lived many years, and re- 
moved to Ohio, where he left a large family. Dr. Smith gained great 
credit for restoring Follet to health and usefulness. 

Reinforced by a German regiment of about three hundred men, 
Col. Butler was enabled, not only to defend his position, but to clear 
the open portions of the Valley, of his cruel and insolent visiters ; but 
small parties of Indians still hovered around Wyoming, like wolves 
around a sheep-fold. They waylaid the passes through the moun- 
tains, and occasionally exhibited extraordinary instances of courage 
and audacity. 

Major Powell, commanding two hundred men of a regiment, which 
had been much reduced by losses in the battle of Germantown, having 
been ordered to Wyoming, arrived at Bear Creek, about ten miles 
from the fort, on the night of the 19th of April. Deeming themselves 
out of danger from a surprise by the Indians, orders were given that 
officers and men should dress in their best apparel, their arms be 
newly burnished, and every thing be put in order to appear respect- 
ably on entering the Valley. As was the fashion of the day, the 



264 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

officers wearing ruffles, were also powdered. The music, partaking 
in the excitement of the hour, played their liveliest strains as the 
party advanced. Deer were reported to have been seen by the van- 
guard, when Capt. Davis, and Lieut. Jones, armed with rifles, imme- 
diately hastened forward. Near the summit of the second mountain, 
by the Laurel Run, and about four miles from the fort, a fire was 
opened upon them by the Indians in ambush, by which Capt. Davis, 
Lieut. Jones, a Corporal by the name of Butler, and three men under 
his command, fell. Major Powell, not far in the rear, hastened for- 
ward at a moment when an Indian, with surprising audacity, had 
seized a woman, the wife of one of the soldiers who had fallen, and 
was dragging her from the path, into the thicket. A soldier in the 
act to fire, was stopped by Major Powell, but the woman escaped. 
The Major, it was thought, lost the self-possession so indispensable to 
a soldier, and his command thrown into confusion, retreated in dis- 
order. Uncertain as to the power, though too fatally assured of the 
prowess of his enemy. Major Powell undoubtedly experienced a 
degree of fear, which the force of the enemy disclosed, or probably 
present, did not warrant ; and seems scarcely to have remembered 
that he still commanded nearly two hundred veteran soldiers. Dis- 
patching his Surgeon, who volunteered for the occasion, and John 
Halstead, a soldier of Capt. Spalding's company, who had met him, 
and acted as guide to Col. Butler, the Gei'man Battallion was imme- 
diately called to arms, and marched to the mountain, to escort Major 
P. and his men to the Valley.* 

Major Powell, having leave to resign, soon left the army. 

During the spring and early part of summer, vigorous prepara- 
tions had been making for the contemplated invasion of the Indian 
country. A brigade from New York, under the command of General 
James Clinton, had wintered on the Mohawk. The brigades com- 
manded by Maxwell, Hand and Poor, with Colonel Proctor's regiment 
of artillery, and a battalion of Morgan's riflemen, under the command 
of Major Parr, were ordered to rendezvous at Wyoming : — Major 
General John Sullivan, of New Hampshire, being appointed to the 
supreme command. 

* The bodies of the two officers, hastily buried, were exhumed the July following, and on 
the 29th reinterred with military and masonic honours, by the brethren of General Sulli- 
van's army, and the regiments of Col's. Proctor and Hubley. A band of music, the j5rst 
whose soul arousing strains were ever heard in Wyoming, added interest to the sblemn 
pomp, and gloomy splendour of the display. A rude stone, but the best and neatest the 
condition of the country allowed them to obtain, was erected by the masons, at the head of 
the grave, in Wilkesbarre burying ground, with a suitable inscription. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 265 

All the early part of the season, was a time of high excitement ^ 
in the Valle}^. The German battalion, and Major Powell's command 
had arrived in April. In May, one regiment came in from York 
county, Pa. Another regiment from New Hampshire, and a com- 
pany commanded by Captain John Paul Schotts.* 

On the 26th of May, the 3d Jersey regiment reached Easton, 
where the 1st Jersey regiment, two regiments from New Hampshire, 
and Col. Proctor's artillery, were already assembled. A strong de- 
tachment was sent forward to open a passage for the artillery, who 
cut the way from Stroudsburg, crossing the Lehigh four miles 
above Stoddartsville, which has ever since been known as Sullivan's 
road, and is still occasionally traveled. While at Easton, two sol- 
diers of Col. Hubley's regiment were executed for marauding ; and 
two other men were arrested, and condemned to death for en- 
deavoring to persuade soldiers to desert ; one of them was pardoned, 
the other who had been a lieutenant in the militia, was placed in 
irons to be moved with the army. 

On the 18th of June the troops left Easton, and encamped at Wind- 
gap, near Heller's — 19th, at Larner's, on the Pocono— 20th, at Chou- 
der's camp— 21st, at Fatigue camp — 22d, at Sullivan's camp, at 
Great Meadows, seven miles from the Valley, and on the 23d, ar- 
rived at Wyoming. The whole army was encamped on the river 
flats, below Wilkesbarre, a portion of them occupying old Fort Dur- 
kee. Here on the 1st day of July, was executed the lieutenant of 
militia, condemned at Easton, the first, and only instance of capi- 
tal punishment, ever witnessed within the limits of Luzerne county. 

Boats having been provided on the lower waters of the Susque- 
hanna for that purpose, a large fleet arrived on the 24th, loaded 
with provisions and military stores. The artillery thundered, and 
the music in sweeter strains sounded a joyous welcome. 

Not a single movement of importance had escaped the observation 
of the vigilant and alert Indian Council, and their British allies. The 
numbers and aim of the American army were perfectly compre- 
hended, and its strength known to be too powerful, successfully to be 
encountered by any force in their power to combine. A system 
of tactics, devised with skill, and executed with intrepid boldness, 
was entered upon, with the hope of distracting the attention of Gene- 

* Caf>tain Schotts was a Prussian officer of merit, who had served in the armies of Frede- 
rick the Great. Offering his services to Congress, that body on most respectable recom- 
mendations, immediately proffered him the commission of captain. Becoming a citizen of , 
Wyoming, we shall have occasion to speak of him again. 



266 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ral Sullivan, dividing his army, and thwarting the great object of 
the campaign. During the month of July, attacks were made by 
strong bodies of Indians and British, on the right and left of the 
American army. The first attack was upon Freeland's Fort, fifteen 
miles from Northumberland, up the west branch of the Susquehanna. 
Two hundred and fifty men, of whom eighty were British troops, 
commanded by Captain M'Donald, the rest Indians, led by Hiokoto, 
a veteran brave of the Seneca tribe, appeared before the stockade, 
and demanded its surrender. The means of defence being wholly in- 
adequate, and fair terms of capitulation being offered, the garrison 
capitulated. Gordon states, that contrary to Indian usage, the women 
and children, were suffered to retire into the settlements. Policy 
would obviously dictate some restraint on their savage ferocity, for 
their own women and children, it was quite probable, would soon be 
at the mercy of the Americans. 

A party sent from Northumberland, to succor the garrison at 
Freeland's, were brought to action with a superior force, when 
two officers. Captains Hawkins and Boon, with fourteen of their men, 
were killed and scalped. The victorious enemy advanced towards 
Northumberland, with the addition of an hundred men, whom they 
had kept in reserve, creating in Fort Augusta, and all the neighboring 
settlements, the utmost alarm.* 

The same week of the invasion by Hiokoto and M'Donald, Brandt, 
the dreaded Thayendenegea, with a party of warriors, fell upon the 
Minisink settlement, in Orange county. New York, killing several of 
the inhabitants, and making others prisoners. Ten houses,/tfvelve 
barns and two mills, were consumed by fire. About a hundre(i and 
fifty militia from Goshen and the neighborhood, marched in pursuit. 
The wary Brandt, cunning as he was brave, saw in their hasty ad- 
vance, victims to his superior prowess. The rarely failing expedient 
of exchanging a round or two, and then retreating as if driven back, 
and thus leading the too confident enemy into an ambuscade, was 
successfully resorted to, and it is melancholy to relate, that more 
than an hundred were left dead on the field. An attack followed 
on the Connecticut settlement on the Lackawaxen, within the town 

* Some years after the war, Captain M'Donald, having business with the American 
government, on his way from Canada ventured, from pride or curiosity, to visit the ground of 
his victory, and tarried part of a night at Northumberland. Alarmed at certain movements, 
indicating hostility, he hired a servant to take him down the stream in a canoe, before day- 
light should expose him to his (as he had reason to suppose) excited enemies. His fine horse 
after remaining nearly a year with the inn-keeper unclaimed, was sold for his keeping. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 267 

of Westmoreland, which was broken up, several lives lost, and a 
number of persons taken prisoners. yBrandt returned from this expe- 
dition, with trifling loss on his own part, having nearly double as 
many scalps and prisoners as he mustered warriors. Thus, messen- 
ger after messenger, express following express, came in to General 
Sullivan, from the east and southwest, from his right and his left, 
announcing invasion, massacre, and conflagration, all around him. 
Fixed in his purpose, pursuing his settled policy, he detached not a 
man from his main body, but gave immediate orders, that the artil- 
lery should be placed in the boats, and every preparation made for im- 
mediate departure. 

Details are necessary to give the reader a just idea of the impu- 
dent boldness of these savage warriors. Three thousand men were 
encamped at Wyoming; yet on the 28th of July, a messenger came 
in haste from Shawnee, a mile or two from the tents, desiring the 
presence of Dr. Ellmore, the Indians having shot a man, both in his 
side and thigh. 

From some cause, left unexplained, a large number of the German 
battalion had become disaffected and deserted. The deserters were 
arrested, and twenty-nine tried by a court-martial were condemned 
to die. After being held some time in confinement, being penitent, 
they united in a petition that their lives might be spared. A board 
of officers, over which Gen. Poor presided, on inquiry, recommended 
them to mercy ; and the settlement and army were gratified with 
the pardon of the whole, who returned cheerfully to duty, and con- 
ducted themselves, thenceforward, with unexceptionable propriety. 

On the evening of the 28th, Col. Reed arrived with ninety wagons *** 
loaded with stores, and on Saturday the 31st of July, the whole 
camp was in commotion, in obedience to marching orders.* 

The artillery being destined to proceed by water, having been 
placed on board, the command was confided to Col. Proctor. An 
hundred and twenty boats following in line, with sufficient space 
between to avoid accidents, must have extended nearly two miles. 
The army that marched by land, consisting 

1st. Of the brigade of Gen. Poor, composed, besides others, of the 
two regiments from New Hampshire, and one from Massachusetts — 
the latter under the orders of Col. Dearborn. 



*4The drums beat and the fifes played, in sprightly unison, the Reveillie. 
" Don't you hear your General say, 
Strike your tents and march away." 



268 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

2d. A brigade from New Jersey, of which the first, second and 
third regiments, from that state, composed a part ; Gen. Maxwell. 

3d. The Pennsylvania brigade, commanded by Gen. Hand, which 
among others included the regiments of Col. Richard Butler, Col. 
Hubley, and Col. Hartley, and the German battalion, (or regiment, 
as it is sometimes termed by the ancient people and old writers.) 

4th. A strong detachment from Morgan's rifle corps, in command 
of Major Parr, in which were engrafted for the expedition a number 
of expert riflemen from Wyoming. 

5th. Capt. Spalding's Westmoreland Independent Company. 

6th. Capt. Schott's company of Riflemen. 

7th. A company of Wyoming militia, chiefly riflemen, under the 
command of Capt. John Franklin ; the whole under the orders of 
Major-General Sullivan. As chief guide, the General reposed on 
the skill of Lieutenant John Jenkins. The whole force consisted of 
about thirty-five hundred men ; and in taking up the line from 
Wilkesbarre, the following was the prescribed order of march, to be 
adhered to as nearly as the extremely broken country, narrow 
defiles, and rugged roads would permit, until Gen. Clinton should be 
met at Tioga Point. " The light corps," says the journal of a bri- 
gade chaplain, " which, agreeable to general orders, were- to march 
in three columns, were, by Gen. Hand, arranged as follows : — 

Eleventh Pennsylvania regiment, and Capt. Spalding's Indepen- 
dent Company advanced by platoons from the centre of a line 
formed by them, and constituted a column to proceed on the main 
road. The German regiment, and Capt. Schott's Independent corps 
from the right of said regiment formed a column, and marched on 
the right of the eleventh, etc., having their right flank covered by 
one-third of the light infantry, of the eleventh, and Schott's riflemen 
in Indian file. Two thirds of the light infantry of the eleventh, and 
Capt. Spalding's riflemen marched in Indian file on the left of the 
column, to cover its left flank, and answer the purpose of a third 
column. Each column and flanking party had proportioned to their 
strength respectively, a small party advanced in front. The same 
order to be observed, if possible, until our arrival at Tioga Point." 
Two thousand pack horses attended the army. Col. Zebulon Butler 
was left with as many men as he deemed the circumstances to re- 
quire, for the protection of Wyoming. 

At nine of o'clock, every thing being in readiness, the fleet left 
their moorings, saluting the fort as they passed, with thirteen cannon. 
The honour was returned in the best style by the four pounder. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 269 

The army marching up on the east side, and extending more than 
a mile, now shut out, by hill or wood, from the sight of the boats, 
and now coming near the bank, and in full view, colours waved from 
each squadron of the advancing fleet ; colours floated on the breeze 
from every column of the army ; the rolling drums, the ear-piercing 
fifes, bands of music on board and on shore, pouring forth martial 
and patriotic airs, filled the Valley with the concord of sweet and 
inspiring strains. Hill answered to hill, mountain echoed to moun- 
tain. Here was ail the pomp, and pride and circumstance of glo- 
rious war. The scene presented, was, in the highest degree, grand 
and sublime ! But hark ! How changed those notes ! As the fleet 
approached Monockasy Island, a portion of the battle ground, the 
music struck a solemn dirge, in honour of the patriot dead. Then 
follovs^ed a moment of silence, when the whole proceeded in business 
order, to the accomplishment of the great object of the expedition. 

The army encamped, the first night, on the large flat at the con- 
fluence of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna ; on the 5th at Wya- 
lusing ; on the 9th, at Queen Esther's Plains, (Sheshequin,) and on 
the 11th, reached Tioga Point, having to wade the Susquehanna, 
deep to their armpits — their cartridge-boxes borne aloft on their bay- 
onets. Here they encamped, being still in the town of Westmore- 
land. On the march, two soldiers died suddenly, and one of Col. 
Proctor's men was wounded. A number of cattle, and several pack- 
horses were precipitated from narrow defiles down the mountains, 
and dashed to pieces on the river bank. 

General James Clinton, who had wintered on the Mohawk, had 
advanced to the head of the Susquehanna river, at Otsego lake, and 
had there built two hundred batteaux. Having dammed up the out- 
let, he prepared an artificial fresh, on which he was wafted down an 
hundred miles. On the 22d of August, escorted by Gen. Poor, who 
had advanced to meet him with a detachment from his brigade, the 
arrival of Gen. Clinton was welcomed by a salvo of artillery. 

In the mean time the Indians had discovered themselves on several 
points ; attacked some of our small parties, and taken the scalps of 
a Serjeant and two or three men.* On the 25th of August, a captain 
of the New Hampshire troops was accidently killed. 

At Tioga Point, a strong stockade was erected, into which all 
the stores, not absolutely needed, were placed. Two or three 

* The journal of a New Hampshire officer, states " that Gen. Hand lost six men killed, 
three officers and seven men wounded in a skirmish on the I2th of August." 



270 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

cannon were mounted. Convenient arrangements were made for 
the sick, and the fort left in charge of Capt. Shreive, of the 
second Jersey regiment, having two hundred and fifty men under 
his command. 

On the 26th of August, having passed beyond the river mountains, 
and attained a comparatively open country, the army took up their 
line of march in this order. 

Gen. Hand's brigade, in front, in eight columns. 

Gen. Poor's brigade on the right, in eight columns, flanked by a 
strong body of light troops. 

Gen. Maxwell's brigade on the left, in eight columns, flanked by 
light troops. 

Gen. Clinton's brigade, in eight columns, in the rear. 

Col. Proctor's artillery in the centre, flanked on the right and left 
by double files of pack-horses, which separated his command from 
Poor, and Maxwell's brigades. 

The only important stand made by the enemy was below New- 
town, eighteen miles above Tioga Point, on the Tioga, (or Chemung) 
river. Col. John Butler, Capt. Walter Butler, (his son,) the two 
Johnsons, Grey, and McDonald, commanded the British and Tories. 
Brandt, (Thayendenegea, the terrible,) was at the head of the com- 
bined Indian warriors of the Six Nations. Their numbers have been 
variously estimated, from fifteen hundred to two thousand fighting 
men.* 

On the north side of the Tioga river, where there is a bend form- 
ing almost a right angle, on a steep gravelly bank, the enemy had 
thrown up a breast-work, extending nearly half a mile in length, 
north towards the hills, and here preparations were carefully made 
for a decisive battle. Their right and rear were guarded by the 
stream, their left only exposed ; but on the neighboring heights on 
their left flank, strong bodies of their sharp-shooters were stationed. 
To mask their works, pine shrubs had been cut, and stuck up in 
front, as if still growing. The road ran to the foot of the gravel hill, 
on which they had fortified, then turning to the right, following a 
small brook in a line parallel with the breast-work, so that, had the 
army marched on without discovering their position, the whole left 
would have been exposed to a raking fire on the flank. Some skir- 

* It has been stated, that there were but two hundred whites present. This seems very 
improbable. Butler and Johnson had more than that number at Wyoming. So many 
Canadian and refugee officers could hardly have been in command of less than four or five 
hundred men. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING, 267 

mishing had previously taken place, and several men had fallen. 
Fortunately Major Parr, in advance Vf\th his riflemen, discovered the 
Indian line of defence, and gave immediate notice to the advancing 
columns. Gen. Hand forthwith formed the light infantry in the 
w^ood, about eighty rods from the enemy, and waited until the other 
columns should come up. 

Gen. Sullivan promptly gave orders to Gen. Poor* to scale the 
hills on his right, rouse the Indians from their lurking places, who, 
he did not doubt, were there in force, at the bayonet's point, and 
pressing on with spirit, giving them no time to shelter themselves 
behind trees, and then to fall on the left flank and rear of the enemy. 
Proctor, with his artillery, took up a position to render his shot and 
shells most eflfective, and played with great vivacity. Parr, with 
the whole rifle corps, was actively engaged. Spalding and Franklin 
with the Wyoming troops were in the thickest of the fight. General 
Hand led his light infantry to the assault with the greatest gallantry. 
Clinton and Maxwell were held in impatient, though prudent, reserve. 
The enemy contested the ground with determined resolution, until 
the active and decisive movement of Poor cleared the hills, and un- 
veiled their flank to his now descending and impetuous attack, when 
they fled with precipitation. The true Indian character was now 
exhibited. Cunning in expedient — patient under every privation in 
advancing on an enemy — impetuous and terrible in attack — over- 
bearing, insolent and cruel in victory — so, when defeated, broken 
spirited, (like the tiger when he has missed his prey,) cowering 
almost into cowardice, for a time no power can rally them. The 
victory was decisive. No serious attempt was afterwards made to 
check the advance of the army. About thirty men fell in the battle. 
How many of the Indians, could not be known ; as it is felt to be, 
among them, a most sacred duty to carry off" their dead, and conceal 
the number of the slain. Capt. Franklin, of the Wyoming volunteers, 
received a ball in his shoulder, and several from his, Spalding's and 
Schott's companies, were wounded. 

Not a moment of delay was allowed. Being now in the Indian 
country, hundreds of fields, teeming with corn, beans, and other 
vegetables, were laid waste with rigid severity. Every house, hut, 
and wigwam, was consumed. Cultivated in rude Indian fashion for 
centuries, orchards abounded, and near a town, between the Seneca 
and Cayuga lakes, there were fifteen hundred peach trees, bending 
under ripe, and ripening fruit ; all were cut down. The besom of 
destruction swept, if with regret and pity, still with firm hand. 



272 HISTORY OF WYOMING,. ^^ . 

through all their fair fields and fertile plains. Deeply were they 
made to drink of the bitter chalice they had so often forced remorse- 
lessly to the lips of the frontier settlers within their reach. Some 
idea of the extent of country inhabited by the Indians, the num- 
ber of their towns, and the great quantity of produce to be destroyed, 
may be formed, when it is stated that an army of four thousand men 
were employed, without a day's (except indispensable) remission, from 
the 29th of August, until the 28th of September, in accomplishing 
the work of destruction. The furthest northwest extent of General 
Sullivan's advance, was to Genesee castle, at the large flats on the 
beautiful river of that name. Two or three incidents that occurred 
on the march have too much interest to be omitted. At Kanadia, on 
the 5th of September, Mr. Luke Swetland, one of the most respect- 
able citizens of Wyoming, who had been taken prisoner the year 
previous, was relieved from captivity. At Canandaigua, on the 7th, 
a white child was found, indeed an orphan, without knowledge of its 
parents. We regret our inability to record its fate. A few days 
after, a woman who had been taken at Wyoming, came into the 
army, with a child in her arms of seven or eight months old. Her 
name we have not been able to learn. One old squaw, too old to be 
removed, was the only human being belonging to the enemy left by 
them, so totally was their country deserted. But a most melancholy 
occurrence demands a more particular narration. 

On the 13th of September, Lieut. Boyd of the rifle corps, was 
directed to take five or six men, with a friendly Lidian as a guide, 
and to advance towards the Genesee to reconnoiter. Numbers volun- 
teering, he marched out at the head of twenty-four men; too few if 
battle was intended ; too many if secresy and celerity were prime 
requisites of the enterprise. Striking Little castle, on the Genesee 
river, he surprised, killed and scalped two Indians. On his return, 
Boyd was surrounded by a strong detachment of the enemy, who 
killed fourteen of his men, and took him and a soldier prisoners ; eight 
men only escaping. The next day the army accelerated their march, 
with the hope of releasing Lieut. Boyd. On arriving at the Genesee 
Castle, his remains and those of the other prisoner were found, sur- 
rounded by all the horrid evidences of savage barbarity. The tor- 
ture fires were yet burning. Flaming pine knots had been thrust into 
their flesh, their finger nails pulled out, their tongues cut off", and 
their heads severed from their bodies. It is said that Boyd was 
brought before Col. Butler, who examined him, Boyd being on one 
knee, a warrior on each side firmly grasping his arms, a third at his 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 273 

back, with tomakawk raised. What a scene for a limner! "How 
many men has Sullivan? "I cannot tell you, sir." How is the army 
divided and disposed ?" " I cannot give you any information, sir." 
" Boyd, life is sweet, you had better answer me." " Duty forbids, 
and I would not if life depended on the word — but Col. Butler, I 
know the issue, my doom is fixed." Another version of the affair 
omits the interview, and relates that Boyd was stabbed in the abdo- 
men, an intestine drawn out and tied to a tree, around which the 
sufferer was driven. Both may be true. That a prisoner should be 
taken before Butler for examination is quite probable. 

" While Sullivan" (we copy Marshall) " laid waste the county on 
the Susquehanna, another expedition under Col. Brodhead was car- 
ried on from Pittsburg up the Alleghany, against the Mingo, Munsey, 
and Seneca tribes. At the head of between six and seven hundred 
men, he advanced two hundred miles up the river, and destroyed the 
villages and cornfields on its head branches. Here too the Indians 
were unable to resist the invading army. After one unsuccessful 
skirmish, they abandoned their villages to a destruction that was 
inevitable, and sought for personal safety in the w^oods." 

The army withdrew to Tioga point on the 29th September, and in 
the evening Capt. Shreeve gave an entertainment to the officers, in 
the best style in his power, the pleasure of which was heightened by 
learning the particulars of the surprise and capture of Stony Point 
by the gallant Wayne. 

General Sullivan gave his troops three days of rest, and Oct. 4th 
marched to Standing Stone bottom. On the 5th the whole army, 
including the New York brigade, under General Clinton, except 
those who took charge of the pack-horses, embarked on board the 
boats, and were wafted, with hearts elate, down that chrystal stream, 
cheered alternately by songs and music ; for rigid discipline was, 
on an occasion so joyous, temporarily relaxed. 

Col. Zebulon Butler at Wyoming, having been apprised of their 
approach, welcomed them with a salute, and on the 8th, gave an 
entertainment, more sumptuous and profuse than the Valley had ever 
before witnessed. Venison and wild turkey smoked upon the board, 
and Gen. Sullivan, in fine spirits, imparted animation to the feast. 
Delaying only until the 10th, the army marched, and arrived at 
Easton on the 15th. On the 17th of October, a day of thanksgiving 
was held, and a sermon preached by the Rev. Dr, Evans, of Gen. 
Poor's brigade, when the several detachments of the victorious little 
18 



274 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

army separated, taking up new positions assigned by his Excellency 
the Commander in Chief. 

Throughout the whole campaign, the conduct of Gen. Sullivan 
was distinguished by courage, energy and skill. Unfortunately, soon 
after taking the command at Wyoming, in general orders, he ani- 
madverted with severity upon the Board of War, who had resisted 
what they deemed unreasonable demands for provisions, forage^ 
stores, and means of transportation. Sept. 1st, 1779, in the Conti- 
nental Congress, " a letter was read, dated August 31st, from the 
Board of War, enclosing a copy of general orders issued to the troops 
under his command, by Major Gen. John Sullivan, reflecting upon the 
Board, and representing that the characters of the Board are made 
free with in Gen. Sullivan's army, who, being under a deception, 
censure the Board with great bitterness ; and, thereupon, request 
Congress to appoint a committee to examine into their conduct, &c." 
October 14th. — On motion of Mr. Gerry : " Resolved, That the 
thanks of Congress be given to his Excellency General Washington, 
for directing, and to Major-General Sullivan, and the brave officers 
and soldiers under his command, for effectually conducting an im- 
portant expedition, against such of the Indian nations, as encouraged 
by the counsels, and conducted by the officers of his Britannic Ma- 
jesty, had perfidiously waged an unprovoked and cruel war against 
these United States ; laid waste many of their defenceless towns, and 
with savage barbarity slaughtered the inhabitants thereof." 

A second resolution proposes to set apart a day of general 
thanksgiving, which shows the importance attached to Sullivan's 
eminent success. 

Still the voice of censure from the Board of War, and their par- 
tizans in Congress, was reiterated and loud. 

On the 13th of November, a letter was read from General Sullivan, 
dated the 9th, " requesting leave, on account of ill health, to retire 
from the service." Whereupon a motion was made by Mr. Gerry, 
" that th-^ resignation of Major-General Sullivan be not accepted, but 
that he have leave to retire from the service, as long as he shall 
judge it expedient for the recovery of his health." This motion, in- 
stead of being adopted, was referred to a committee, on whose re- 
port to Congress, on the 30th November, " Resolved, That Congress 
have a just sense of the services and abilities of Major-General 
Sullivan, and greatly regret the indisposition which deprives them of 
so gallant an officer ; that as General Sullivan's health will not permit 
his continuance in the American army, his resignation be accepted." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 27§ 

On motion of Mr. Livingston, " Resolved, That the President be 
requested to return the thanks of Congress to Major-Generar Sulli- 
van for his past services." 

Thus was the gallant veteran politely bowed out. Imprudent in 
expression he may have been, but his meritorious services should 
have caused a few hasty words to be overlooked, and he should have 
been generously retained in his command. 

It may well be regarded as one of the most extraordinary in- 
tstances of healthfulness on record, that this army, exceeding three 
thousand men, (not including General Clinton's brigade) during the 
summer and autumn, in battle, by accident and sickness, should have 
suffered so inconsiderable loss. Marshall says : " The object of the 
expedition being accomplished, Sullivan returned to Easton, Penn* 
sylvania, having lost only forty men, by sickness and the enemy.* 

* Note 1. — In taking leave of Oeneral Sullivan, it may not be improper to add that he had 
displayed signal ability in various separate commands, previous to his being selected to 
direct the northern expedition. He had also been present at the battles of Long Island 
Brandy wine and Germantown. Immediately after the acceptance of his resignation, he was 
€lected to Congress from New Hampshire ; was afterwards President of that State, and a 
District Judge of the United States, appointed by Washington. Born in 1741, he died 
January 23, 1795,'aged fifty-four years ; so that when at Wyoming, he was about thirty-seven 
years old. 

Note 2.— General Edward Hand, whose name has several times occurred in recounting the 
events of this campaign, as a distinguished Pennsylvanian, demands a further notice. He 
was from Lancaster county, and high in the confidence of Washington ; so much so, that when 
in 1798--9, he consented to take command of the army being raised to resist the aggressions 
of France, that great and good man desired the appointment of General Hand as Adjutant 
General. He was extremely beloved by his men, and served with great usefulness and 
honour. When peace came he was called frequently by his fellow citizens, to perform high 
civil duties. His name is attached to the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1790. The old 
Wyoming soldiers, speak of his noble horsemanship, and attachment to his generous char- 
gers. He rode a fine active grey; but a sorrel roan, remarkable for lofty carriage and 
spirited action, was his favourite parade horse. This he sent forward by his servant, the 
moment he arrived on the return of the army at Tioga-point, to Col. Butler at Wyoming^ 
with a particular request, that he might be recruited against his arrival. 

Note 3. — In 1790, Big-Tree, an Indian of the Seneca nation, being one of a delegation at 
Philadelphia, addressing Gen. Washington, thus feelingly refers to Sullivan's destruction of 
their settlements. "Father — When your army entered the country of the Six Nations, we 
called you the Town destroyer ; to this day when your name is heard, our women look be- 
hind and turn pale, and our children cling closer to the necks of their mothers." Big- Tree 
joined the American army under Wayne, in 1793, but committed suicide. 

Barlow, in his Columbiad, referring to the Indian expedition against Wyoming, has these 

lines : — 

" His savage hordes, the murderous Johnson leads. 

Piles through the woods, and treads the tangled weeds ; 

Shuns open combat, teaches where to run. 

Skulk, couch the ambush, aim the hunter's gun ; 

Whirl the sly tomahawk, the war whoop sing, 

Divide the spoils, and pack the scalps they bring.'* 



276 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" After the return of General Sullivan," says Mr. Chapman, "seve- 
ral parties of Indians, stimulated by revenge for the losses they had 
sustained, continued to range among the mountains of Wyoming, in 
thirst of vengeance upon the v^hite people, and occasionally caught 
and tortured, in the most cruel manner, any defenceless individuals 
that came in their w^ay." 

This paragraph, and a statement of the affair at Nescopeck, M^here 
the party under Lieut. Myers was cut off, is all that Mr. C. records 
of Indian depredations after 1779. 

Even that excellent, and generally accurate work, the " American 
Encyclopedia," so late as 1840, speaking of Sullivan's expedition 
against the Indians, says, "By this one blow an end was put to their 
incursions and cruelties." 

It will be seen from our annals of the three succeeding years, 1780, 
1781, 1782, that, instead of" the danger of the Indian wars being in 
a great measure removed, the inhabitants returned in great numbers 
to their possessions at Wyoming, where their settlements again 
flourished," that, in fact, those three years were rife with Indian in- 
vasions, and that Wyoming was almost one continued scene of plun- 
der and captivity — murder, conflagration and woe. 

The civil transactions of the year afford few materials for history. 
The settlers who remained, or returned after the massacre, were 
generally gathered under the protection of the fort at Wilkesbarre. 
A mill on the borders of Hanover and Newport, was guarded by a 
few men, and three or four families ventured to reside in its 
vicinity. The civil organization was preserved by Col. Denison, and 
half a dozen citizens. At a town meeting held April ye 12,1779, 
Giles Slocum, Christopher Hurlbut, Daniel Ingersoll, Asa Chapman 
and Joel Strong, were admitted freemen, and took the oath of fidelity 
to Connecticut ; Colonel Nathan Denison, and Deacon John Hurlbut 
were chosen members of Assembly, to meet at Hartford the following 
May. 

On the 6th of December, 1779, (the army having returned victo- 
rious, the enemy chastised, and it was hoped effectually broken and 
dispersed, hope and confidence being restored,) a town meeting was 
legally warned, and holden in the town of Westmoreland. Since 
April 1778, near two years, the entries had been brief, and imper- 
fectly made in the old records, as if with trembling hand and broken 
heart. Now the record is full, bold, and beautifully written. 

Colonel Nathan Denison was chosen moderator. 

Obadiah Gore, town clerk, for the ensuing year. Selectmen, a 
Town Treasurer, Constables, Surveyors of Highways, Fence-view- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 277 

ers, Listers, (Assessors) a Tax Collector, Key-keeper, Brander of 
Horses, and School Committee, were appointed. The special con' 
fidence reposed in Col. Denison, may be inferred from his being not 
only chosen moderator, but treasurer, selectman, and one of the 
school committee. He was member of Assembly, Justice of the 
Peace, and Judge of the Court. 

The names of James Nesbitt and John Phillips appear among 
the officers, and are now especially noticed, because April 14, 1843, 
as I now write, sixty-four years having elapsed since that town 
meeting, they still live, respected for their usefulness, and beloved for 
their virtues. 

A single incident remains to be noted. Mrs. Bidlack, the mother 
of Capt. James Bidlack, who was slain in the massacre, applied for 
the release of her son Benjamin, (now the Rev. Benjamin Bidlack,) 
who was in the army, he being needed at home for her protection an(} 
support. The following neat letter, beautifully written^, came to 
Col. Butler, in reply to her petition. 

" War OrFicB, November 1st, 1779. 

Sir, — The Board have received Mehitible Bidlack's representa- 
tion of her case, and your certijficate thereon, and much as they are 
inclined to alleviate the distresses of those who have suffered by the 
war, they cannot grant the petition for the discharge of her son. Her 
reasons, though very good, are such as thousands can plead, and to 
admit them as sufficien, would be to depopulate the array. 
I am sir, with respect. 

Your very obedient servant, 

BENj4.]\H?f Stopjbrt, Secretary.. 



LETTEE XX. 



780.— — Renewed invasion — Bennet and Hammond taken — Noble exploit — ^Upson mur- 
dered — Van Cam pen, Pike and Rogers taken — Noble exploit and rescue — Town meeting 
— Civil affairs — Generous donation from Virginia — Good news from Assembly — Muster 
Roll — A prize — Capt. John Franklin — Justice's Court — Court martial^ — News from below 
— Death of Capt. Caldwell — Lieut. Lawrence Myers — Fifty miles to mill— Various Inci- 
dents — Massacre near Sugarioaf— Marriage of Capt. Schotts — J. Butler's Rangers — Seven 
prisoners taken from Shawi:iey — sickly summer — welcome supply of provisions. 



The sense of security and repose, so welcome to the wearied settlers 
after the distressing scenes of the two preceding years, they were not 
long permitted to cherish. Effectual as the punishment of the Sa- 
vages seemed, instead of subduing, it only appeared to have exaspe- 
rated their thirst for revenge, and 1780 was destined to be a year of 
extreme suffering. 

Being confident that Sullivan had left in the whole Indian country 
nothing for them to subsist upon, it was not doubted but the Savages 
were necessarily within the British lines at Niagara, beyond striking 
distance ; and the settlers resumed their farming at Kingston, Hano- 
ver, and Plymouth, the latter seven miles distant from the Wilkes- 
barre fort. A few adventured further. The main settlements had 
block-houses built, in case of attack, wherein to seek shelter and make 
defence. 

In the latter part of March an alarm was given that Indians were 
in the Valley. On the 27th, Thomas Bennett and his son, a lad, in 
a field not far from their house, in Kingston, were seized and made 
prisoners by six Indians. Lebbeus Hammond, who had been cap- 
tured a few hours before, they found tied as they entered a gorge of 
the mountain. Hammond had been in the battle, and was then 
taken prisoner, but had escaped from the fatal ring at bloody rock» 
where Queen Esther was pursuing her murderous rounds as previ- 
ously related. He was a prize of more than ordinary value. No 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 279 

doubt could exist but that he was destined a victim to the cruelest 
barbarity. The night of the 27th they took up their quarters about 
twelve miles north from the Valley. The next day, having crossed 
the river near the three Islands, they pushed on towards Meshoppen 
with all the speed in their power. While on their march they met 
two parties of Indians and Tories, descending for murder and pillage 
upon the settlement. A man by the name of Moses Mount, whom 
they knew, was particular in his inquiries into the state of the garri- 
son and the situation of the inhabitants. On the evening of the 28th 
they built a fire, with the aid of Mr. Bennett, who being an old man, 
was least feared, and permitted to go unbound. To a request from 
Mr. Bennett, of the Chief, to lend him an awl to put on a button, the 
Savage, with a significant look replied, " No want button for one 
night," and refused his request. The purpose of the Indians could 
not be mistaken. Whispering to Hammond, while the Indians went 
to a spring near by, to drink, it was resolved to make an effort to 
escape. To stay was certain death ; they could but die. Tired with 
their heavy march, after a supper of venison, the Indians lay around 
the fire, Hammond and the boy tied between them, except all old 
Indian who was set to keep the first watch. His spear lay by his 
side, while he picked the meat from the head of a deer, as half sleep- 
ing and nodding, he sat over the fire. Bennett was allowed to sit 
near him, and seemingly in a careless manner, took the spear, and 
rolled it playfully on his thigh. Watching his opportunity when 
least on his guard, he thrust the spear through the Indian's side, who 
fell with a startling groan upon the burning logs. There was not a 
moment to be lost. Age forgot its decrepitude. In an instant Ham- 
mond and young Bennett were cut loose, the arms seized, three of the 
remaining Savages tomahawked, and slain as they slept, and another 
wounded. One only escaped unhurt. On the evening of the 30th 
the captive victors came in with five rifles, a silver mounted hanger, 
and several spears and blankets, as trophies of their brilliant exploit. 
Another band of ten Indians, on the same day that Bennett and 
Hammond were taken, shot Asa Upson in Hanover, (near where the 
bridge crosses the canal below Carey -Town). On the 28th, two men 
were making sugar about eight miles below Wilkesbarre, one w^as 
killed, the other taken prisoner. On the 29th, Jonah Rogers, a lad of 
fourteen or fifteen, was taken prisoner from the lower part of the 
Valley. The Indians then pushed down the river to Fishing Creek, 
where, on the 30th they surprised the family of the Van Campens. 
Moses Van Campen was taken prisoner after they had murdered and 



280 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

scalped his father, his brother, and his uncle, and captured a boy 
named Pence. Directing their course northeast, the Savages passed 
through Huntington, where they were met by a scout of four men 
under the orders of Capt. Franklin. Shots were exchanged, and two 
of his men wounded. Too few to cope with the Indian party, Capt. 
Franklin took up a position in an old log house ; but the enemy pre- 
ferred to pursue their course, and the same evening came to a camp 
where Abraham Pike, with his wife, were making sugar. Pike, who 
was a British deserter, was a most desirable acquisition. The wife 
and her child they painted, and sent into the settlements. The party 
now bent their way to the lake country, crossed the Susquehanna at 
the little Tunkhannock, and pursued their course up the east branch 
of the river. Lieut. Van Campen, a man of true courage, brave and 
enterprising, formed a plan, with Pike, Rogers, and Pence, to rise on 
the ten Indians, and effect their liberation, or die in the attempts 
It was a bold and hazardous enterprise. The party had ascended 
to within fifteen miles of Tioga Point, where they encamped on the 
night of the 3rd of April. The Indians, beyond the probability of 
pursuit, all lay down to sleep, five on each side of the prisoners, who 
were carefully bound. Van Campen had observed that a knife, used 
by one of the Indians, fell near him, and placing his foot on it, secured 
the inestimable prize. About midnight, finding the enemy buried in 
profound sleep, Van Campen cut himself loose, and with noiseless 
celerity liberated the hands of his companions. Springing to their 
feet, placing the guns in a secure place, tomahawks were used with 
the utmost vigour. The Indians made a desperate, but unavailing 
effort for the mastery, but were overpowered, and several of the ten 
killed, two others wounded, and two or three escaped unhurt. After 
scalping the dead, recovering the scalps of those of our people whom 
the Indians had slain, making a hasty raft, the party, taking the guns, 
tomahawks, spears, and blankets of the foe, descended the Susque- 
hanna, and on the evening of the 5th of April arrived with their spoils 
in triumph at Wyoming. No nobler deed was performed during the 
Revolutionary war. In a narrative of his life and services, written 
1837, and presented as a memorial to Congress, asking for a pension, 
Lieut. Van Campen represents his companions in this affair, except 
Pence, as terrified and inactive, thus impairing his own credit, and 
marring the beauty of a most chivalrous achievement. There was 
honour enough for all ; there could be no motive but excessive self- 
glorification, for representing Pike and Rogers as cowards. But 
when that narrative was written Van Campen was an old man, Pike 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 281 

and Rogers were both dead, and he may have supposed no one re- 
mained to rescue their names from the odium. The writer of this 
knew Abraham Pike and Jonah Rogers well. Mr. Rogers was a 
highly respectable citizen, and was well understood, though quite a 
youth, to have performed his duty like a man. That he was 
collected and cool is evident from his observing that Pike struck 
his first blow with the head of his axe, then turned it and gave 
the edge. The former he has often heard recount the daring 
exploit, and until this recent statement of Van Campen, never 
heard a doubt of Pike's courage expressed. Familiarly he was called 
" Serjeant Pike, the Indian killer," and as such was every where 
welcome. An Irishman ! A regularly disciplined soldier ! The 
presumption would be strong against the charge of cowardice. 
But death was certain if taken to Niagara ; even cowardice itself 
would have stimulated a man, so situated, to fight. That Van 
Campen's memory had become impaired, is apparent from the fact 
that he claims to have killed nine of the ten Indians. Col. Jenkins, 
in a memorandum made at the time, says : " Pike and two men from 
Fishing Creek, and two boys that were taken by the Indians, made 
their escape by rising on the guard, killed three, and the rest took 
to the woods, and left the prisoners with twelve guns," &c. No ! 
without detracting from the bravery and good conduct of Van 
Campen, we cannot but conclude, that he had told the story of his 
own prowess, heightening the colouring in his own favour, as he 
found it gave him consideration with his wondering listeners, until, 
perhaps, he believed himself the sole hero of the victory. 

On the 30th of March, three persons, named Avery, Lyons, and 
Jones, were taken off prisoners by the Indians, from Capouse. 

The unfortunate, or fortunate Hammond, who, twice in such fear- 
ful jeopardy, had twice escaped, had now the pleasure of appearing 
at Head-Quarters, having been sent on the 3rd of April, by Col. 
Butler, express, with despatches for his Excellency. 

In the course of these predatory excursions, the Savages set fire to 
the simple log buildings which the settlers had erected for their tem- 
porary residence. 

In the midst of all this distress, the ever popular town meetings 
were not neglected. 

" At a town meeting, legally warned and held, in the town of 
Westmoreland, on Monday the 10th day of April, 1780, 

" John Franklin, Esq., was chosen Moderator for the work of the 
day. 



282 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" John Hurlbut, Esq., was chosen to negotiate the affairs of this 
town, before the General Assembly, to be holden in Hartford, in 
May next. 

" Obadiah Gore, Esq., John Franklin, Esq., and Lieut. Rosewell 
Franklin are appointed a Committee to assist the Agent in drawing 
up a just representation of our circumstances, to lay before the Hon- 
orable the General Assembly, in May next." 

" At a town meeting on the 20th of April, John Franklin, Esq., 
Lieut. Rosewell Franklin, and Ensign John Comstock, (titles as 
osual scrupulously given,) were appointed a Committee " to advise 
with the inhabitants of this town, about contracting their improve- 
ments to a smaller compass, and more defenceable situation, against 
the Savages, and to adopt measures for the security of their stock, 
and make their report to the commanding officer of the garrison, as 
soon as possible." 

The next Resolve should be printed in letters of gold. 

" Voted — That whereas the parish of Dresden, in the State of 
Virginia, have contributed and sent one hundred and eighty dol- 
lars for the support of the distressed inhabitants of this town, that 
the selectmen be directed to distribute said money to those they 
shall judge the most necessitated, and report to the town at some 
future meeting. 

" Voted — That Col. Nathan Denison return the thanks of this town 
to the parish of Dresden, in the State of Virginia, for their charita- 
ble disposition in presenting the distressed inhabitants of this town 
with one hundred and eighty dollars." 

Col. Butler's second Connecticut regiment consisted, at this time, 
of three hundred and fourteen men, fit for duty, and while he was 
stationed in Westmoreland, possessing, as he was know^i to do, more 
skill in Indian warfare, and enjoying in an eminent degree the confi- 
dence of the inhabitants, yet every man of his regiment was below 
the mountains, under the immediate orders of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Isaac Sherman. Visiting his command, to see that proper discipline 
and order were preserved, then hastening back to Wyoming, to a 
station of excessive care and responsibility, yet affording no chance 
to gather laurels, so dear to the high-souled military man. Col. 
Butler performed most arduous duties, in a manner to entitle him to 
the gratitude and praise of his country. 

Early in July, Esquire Hurlbut returned from Hartford, bringing 
the cheering news, that the Assembly, in answer to the petition of 
her Wyoming people, had resolved to take an account of their losses, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 283 

preparatory to making compensation therefor, when the public trea- 
sury should be in a condition to do so. The Resolve, itself, breathes 
a spirit, and shows an intention so just, that it should be carefully 
preserved. 

" At a General Assembly of the Governor, and Company of the 
State of Connecticut, in America, holden at Hartford on the second 
Thursday of May, (being the 11th day of said month,) and con- 
tinued by several adjournments until the 23d day of June follow- 
ing, Anno Domini, 1780. 

" Upon the Memorial of the Civil Authority, and Selectmen 

of the Town of Westmoreland, representing that the inhabitants of 
said town have sustained great losses- by the invasions and depre- 
dations of the enemy, and that the Rate Bills issued against the 
inhabitants of said town, for State Taxes, have been taken, burnt 
and destroyed ; the town depopulated, and the few remaining fami- 
lies greatly impoverished by the frequent incursions and depreda- 
tions of the enemy. Praying this Assembly that an estimation of 
their losses may be made, and State Taxes abated in part compen- 
sation thereof, etc., as per Memorial. 

" Resolved hy this Assembly, That the whole of the State Taxes, for 
which warrants have already issued against the inhabitants of said 
town of Westmoreland, that are not paid into the hands of the State 
Treasurer, be, and the same are hereby abated, to be considered as 
in part compensation for their losses, whenever the United States 
shall order and direct the losses sustained by the citizens of said 
States, from the depredations of the enemy, to be compensated ; and 
John Hurlbut, Zebulon Butler, and Obadiah Gore, Esqs., be, and 
they are hereby appointed a Committee to repair to said Westmore- 
land ; first giving public notice in the several newspapers in this 
State, of the time and place of their meeting, and there examine into 
the damages, injuries, and losses sustained and suffered by the pre- 
sent or late inhabitants of said town of Westmoreland, holding under 
this State, who shall, by themselves or others on their behalf, being 
duly authorized, make application to said Committee, during their 
continuance in said town, and report make to some future session of 
this Assembly, of what they shall find in the matters aforesaid." 

Capt. Simon Spalding's Independent Company, being the consoli- 
dated Wyoming companies of Ransom and Durkee, was stationed at 
Wilkesbarre fort, with Capt. John Paul Schott's rifle corps, and a 
detachment from the German regiment, under the command of Capt. 
Michael, making together, about one hundred and twenty men. The 



V 



284 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

militia consisted of one company under the command of Capt. John 
Franklin. How entirely broken and reduced was the country, will 
be apparent from the returns of this company. 

"July 29, 1780, there were twenty-nine on the roll. At Hanover, 
to guard the mill, one lieutenant, one serjeant, and ten privates. At 
Kingston, one serjeant and fourteen men ; and two on the sick 
list. Small detachments were frequently made for scouting parties, 
the utmost vigilance being indispensable. On the 9th of June, 
Captain Franklin, with five men, being on a scout sixty miles up the 
river, at Wysox, took three prisoners, viz : Jacob Bowman, Adam 
Bowman, and Henry Hoover, with, according to the language of 
the day, a fine lot of plunder, valued at £4Q 18s. lid. Capt. Franklin 
and Serjeant Baldwin each shared a silver watch, several pocket 
compasses, silver buttons, and sleeve buttons ; a scarlet broadcloth 
coat, several gold pieces, and a beautiful spy-glass, attest the conse- 
quence of the prisoners. The canoes sold for £4 10s. They were 
probably confidential messengers on public service from the enemy 
in New York, to Col. John Butler at Niagara. Col. Z. Butler, 
purchased the spy-glass from the victors, estimated at three guineas, 
liard money." 

In the midst of this scene of general distress, it is difficult to sup- 
press a smile, when we contemplate the variety of character sus- 
tained, and duties performed by Captain Franklin. We have seen 
him taking an active part on several committees in town meeting. 
Indefatigable in the command of his little company; during all this 
lime, he was farming with an industry, that showed his reliance for 
subsistence was on the labour of his hands. A hunter, scarce a week 
passed, that he did not in the proper season, bring in a buck. But 
he was a Justice of the Peace, and the civil laws were regularly 
administered. As it is our purpose to present an accurate picture 
of Wyoming as we can possibly sketch, one or two causes, tried 
before Justice Franklin, will be quoted. 

August 19, 1780, , of Westmoreland, found guilty of 

playing cards, therefore ordered, that he pay a fine to the treasury of 
the town of Westmoreland of ten shillings, lawful money, with costs. 

Test. John Franklin, J. P. 

At a Justice's Court, holden at Westmoreland, August 31, 1780, 
present, John Franklin, Justice of the Peace, wherein Phineas Pierce, 
is plaintiff", and Lebeus Tubbs, defendant : Whereas, the said Pierce, 
as administrator on the estate of Col. George Dorrance, deceased, com- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 285 

plains of the defendant as disclosing, (Q. secreting 1 withholding ?) 
some of the estate aforesaid, the court proceeds to a trial by the consent 
of the parties, and on the examination of the defendant on oath, who 
testifies, etc. With these chancery powers of obliging the defendant 
on oath to reveal the whole truth, every thing was explained. Among 
many other articles, he had a rifle belonging to Col. Dorrance, a bed, 
a copper tea-kettle, and several other articles of valuable household 
furniture. 

" The Court are of opinion, that the defendant deliver up the said 
articles to the administrator, and satisfy the costs of the court. 

Test. John Franklin, Justice of the Peace." 

Military courts were also held. Serjeant Leader was convicted 
of falsifying a provision return, breaking open the magazine ; of con- 
spiring to release the tory prisoners, and blow up the garrison. He was 
whipped one hundred lashes, and sent out with the prisoners to Head 
Quarters, as incorrigible. We make two or three brief extracts 
from Franklin's Journal. " July 12, 1780. A Court Martial.— Martin 
Breakall tried, Capt. John Paul Schotts, president; Capt. Spaulding, 
Capt. Franklin, Lieut. Gore, Lieut. Jenkins, Lieut. Kingsley, mem- 
bers. Breakall is found guilty of intending to desert to the Indians, 
take with him the tory prisoners, and threatening to scalp one Adam 
Sybert. It is the opinion of the court, that Breakall run the gauntlet 
four times through the troops of this garrison. The commanding 
officer approves the sentence, and the next afternoon, the 13th, was 
punished accordingly." A singing meeting this evening, says Capt. 
Franklin in his journal, at Mr. Forseman's. 

" I went to Huntingdon, Saturday 15th, returned," says Capt. F. 
" Saturday the 22d, killed two deer, and took up Sherwood's flax."* 

A boat arrived from down the river on the 20th of the month, with 
the welcome cargo of twenty-three barrels of flour. The boatmen 
state, " that on Friday the 14th, one man and three children were 
murdered by the Indians near Buffalo Creek, and on Saturday the 
15th, one Capt. McMahon, was taken prisoner by an Indian and 
tory, six miles from Northumberland, on the West Branch, but he 
made his escape, killing the tory when the Indian had gone to his 
company, that lay near at hand. This tory was Capt. Caldwell, 
a noted villain." Probably the same Capt. Caldwell, who the day 
before the massacre in 1778, took possession of the fort at Jenkins^ 

* The development of Capt. Franklin's character and conduct in the sequel, will show 
the purpose of these minute details. 



286 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ferry. His conduct in that instance was neither marked by treachery 
nor cruelty. In a boat that arrived at this time, came Lieut. Lau- 
rence Myers, his first visit to Wyoming, a very worthy gentleman, 
of whom it will be our pleasure to speak more at large in our chapter 
of personal narratives. 

" August 6. Last Thursday, Benjamin Clark with others, went 
down the river to mill. Same day, Lieut. Daniel Gore with others, 
set out to Col. Stroud's to mill." Col. Stroud's mill at Stroudsburgh, 
on the Delaware, was nearly fifty miles distant through the wil- 
derness, from which may be inferred the privations and hardships 
the inhabitants had to encounter. No mill remained, but the small 
one near Nanticoke Falls, defended by a detachment of Captain 
Franklin's company. 

On the death of Mason F. Alden's child on the 20th, Esquire Hurl- 
but preached two sermons. On the same day, Mr. Hollenback's 
boat loaded with goods arrived, having on board the three welcome 
** pounders," to enable the Wyoming people to make their own 
powder. Rumours were rife of murders by Indians below. The 
prowess and success of Bennett and Hammond, and of Pike, Rogers 
and Van Campen, had doubtless for a brief space, impressed on the 
enemy a lesson of extreme caution in regard to Wyoming. 

Capt. Franklin and three men set out on a scout up the river 
early in September. At Tioga Point, they came to where large 
parties had encamped, and saw two Indians. At Tioga they found 
a canoe, and in two easy days sail arrived at the Wyoming Fort on 
the 10th. A vv^eek previous, Serjeants Baldwin and Searles ex- 
changed shots with Indians at Tunkhannock, took a horse and some 
plunder from them, which it is supposed the Indians had taken in the 
neighborhood of Fort Allen, near the Lehi water gap. 

After Wyoming was so reduced as to be unable to afford assist- 
ance in checking the excursions of the Savages, parties were in the 
habit of passing the settlement, and attacking the people both 
sides of the Blue Mountain, taking scalps, prisoners, and plunder. 
In May 1780, the settlement at Mahoning, not far from Mauch 
Chunk, was attacked, several were slain. Benjamin Gilbert, a quaker, 
and Abigail Dodson, a girl of twelve or thirteen, were among the 
prisoners taken to Niagara. In consequence of these repeated at- 
tacks, a chain of block-houses was built, at supporting distances, back 
of the Blue Mountain, from the Schuylkill in Berks county, to the 
Delaware in Northampton ; and Nathan Beach was an orderly 
Serjeant for two years under the command of Capt. Smeathers, on 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 287 

that line of defence. In September, a large party of Indians passing 
Wyoming, without giving the least alarm, crossed the Susquehanna, 
near the mouth of the Nescopeck Creek, leaving Wilkesbarre Fort 
eighteen miles on the left. On advancing into the Scotch Valley, 
now known as Conynghani and Sugar Loaf, moving with cat-like 
wariness, they discovered a party of Americans entirely off their 
guard, some eating, others at play, for it was noon, and entertain- 
ing not the slightest apprehension of an enemy being near, they were 
reposing or sporting, after a forenoon march. On counting their 
numbers, the Indians found the Americans had thirty-three men, their 
own being thirty. Some were for making a bold attack, others who 
had come for plunder, preferred to retire. It was however agreed 
upon, that they would all draw near, and take a shot ; if the Ameri- 
cans were not broken, but should rally with spirit, they would retreat 
to a designated place. The fire was as deadly as unexpected. Our 
people who survived, ran in the utmost confusion. Lieut. Myers,* 
who commanded, did every thing an intrepid officer could do to rally 
his men, seized his rifle, and vowed he would die before he would re- 
treat. One or two ran to his aid, but it was too late. He was seized 
by the gallant Indian chief, wounded slightly, and made prisoner. 
Satisfied with their thirteen scalps, their prisoners, and all the booty 
brought out by the party, the Indians hastened their retreat, doing 
what mischief they could, by burning the Shickshinny mills, and all 
the grain slacks on their route. The second night Lieut. Myers 
contrived to make his escape, and came into the Wyoming Fort 
with the melancholy tidings. After the war, the Miss Dodson, be- 
fore named, was redeemed from captivity, and related the Indian 
account of the affair, as learned at Niagara. 

As the preceding winter had been extremely cold, so the summer 
was marked by an unusual degree of heat. August especially was, 
to use an expression of the day, panting hot, severe thunder showers 
being frequent, followed by a close and oppressive atmosphere. The 
consequence was an autumn of greater sickness than had ever 
before been experienced. Remittent and intermittent fevers, pre- 
vailed to a distressing degree. The settlers in Kingston particu- 
larly suffered. Calomel, tartar emetic, and Jesuits bark, dispensed by 
Dr. William H. Smith, with skill, were efficacious, and the number of 
deaths, though considerable, bore a very small proportion to the great 
number afflicted. Every incident in a small community so excited, 

* Not Laurence Myers. 



288 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

awakened attention, and William Nelson, being badly bitten by a 
rattlesnake, was probably known in the course of a day, to every 
person in Wyoming. After much suffering he recovered. 

On the 11th of October, the good Deacon Hurlbut, who preached 
in the absence of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, being chosen member of 
Assembly, set out for Hartford, accompanied by Asa Chapman, who 
went to visit his friends in Preston. Chapman had been sworn in 
a freeman of Westmoreland, a few months before. He returned, 
and his fate will be recorded in the annals of a subsequent year. 

We have spoken several times of Capt. John Paul Schotts, who 
was stationed with his rifle corps at Wyoming, where he became 
attached to Miss Naomi Sill, sister to Col. Denison's lady. The 
banns were published on Sunday, October the 15th, and on Wed- 
nesday, the 18th, they were married; the occasion being one of 
great joy and festivity in the garrison, and among the whole people. 

The 24th of the month, the settlement was thrown into commo- 
tion by the arrival of an express stating, that Col. Hunter, at Fort 
Augusta, (Sunbury,) had stopped the boats that were ascending the 
river with provisions for the garrison. Grain the people now had, 
but as we have seen, they were obliged to go to Stroudsburgh to mill. 
This was the first incident which had occurred for three years, ex- 
hibiting the smothered, but by no means extinguished jealousy, that 
existed on the part of Pennsylvania, towards the Connecticut garrison 
and settlement. 

Nearly three months passed away, after the massacre at the 
Scotch Valley, in comparative peace. Alarms were frequent; scouts 
were on the alert ; tidings of murder and robbery, weekly, came in 
from the West Branch, from near Sunbury, and more especially from 
the settlements along the Blue Mountains ; but no direct attack was 
made on Wyoming. The harvest, though but little ground was cul- 
tivated, had come in satisfactorily. Hugh Forseman arrived from 
Philadelphia with a hundred head ofcattfe for thegarrison, which 
fact, of itself, speaks of the general destitution of the country. Thus 
fear of absolute famine was removed. The comforts of life were not 
looked for, and all were satisfied with sufficient food to sustain 
existence.. 

In September, a town meeting voted — That a petition be prepared 
to the Assembly at Hartford, asking for an abatement of Taxes. It 
may be observed, that the ordinary assemblage, " legally warned," 
were called town meetings. Those more important, where all the 
town officers were chosen, holden the first Tuesday in December, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 289 

each year, were sometimes, by way of eminence, denominated " Free- 
man^s Meeting" December 5th, 1780, the whole settlement was 
assembled in town meeting, legally warned, and held at the house of 
Abel Yarrington. John Hurlbut was chosen Moderator. 

Voted — That John Hurlbut, Esq., Col. Nathan Denison, John 
Franldin, Esq., James Nesbitt, and Jabez Sill, be Selectmen for 
the year ensuing. A town clerk, treasurer, constable, surveyors of 
highways, fence-viewers, listers, collectors, leather-sealer, grand jury- 
men, etc. etc., were duly chosen. The fewness of inhabitants may 
be inferred from the fact, that James Nesbitt and Jabez Sill, were 
each chosen to three offices, and several others were voted in to the 
duties and honours of two. But the occasion was one of compara- 
tive cheerfulness. Winter had set in — snow had fallen — the enemy, 
kept at a respectful distance by the spirited conduct of Hammond, 
Bennett, Van Campen, Rogers and Pike, would not be likely, it 
was thought, soon to return. With frost, sickness had ceased ; and 
Forseman's arrival with a supply of cattle, dissipated all fears of 
suffering from famine. These pleasing dreams of security were des- 
tined to be of brief duration. The very next day, December 6th, a 
party of the enemy, consisting of nineteen white men, and five In- 
dians, under the command of l^ieut. Turney, of John Butler's 
Rangers, broke into the settlement at Shawney, surprised and took 
off seven men prisoners, namely, Benjamin Harvey, Elisha Harvey, 
Nathan Bullock, James Frisbee, Jonathan Frisbee, Manassah Cady, 
and 'Samuet Palmer Ransom, highly respectable citizens. No lives 
were taken, and the party instantly retreated with their captives, 
and what plunder they could readily seize, marching with the great- 
est celerity. Capt. Franklin, with twenty-six men, pursued, the next 
morning, crossing the Susquehanna at Secord's, three miles above 
Tunkhannock ; but the enemy were so far in advance, as to render 
further pursuit hopeless ; and taking the canoes they had descended 
the river with and abandoned, Capt. Franklin returned to the fort. 
The facility of attacking Wyoming is here again illustrated. Scoop- 
ing out a pine log into a canoe, the Indians could descend the river 
in twelve or fifteen hours, to within eighteen or twenty miles of the 
settlement. The easy mode of descent was in itself alluring, and 
tended greatly to the insecurity of the inhabitants. 

One of Turney's men proved a traitor, if he did not come in as a 
spy, which is quite as probable. On the evening of the 11th, Col- 
Butler examined the deserter in the presence of Capt. Frankliiij 
19 



290 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

The fellow said there were six hundred British troops at Niagara, 
and two thousand Indians. If he did not mean to exaggerate, to 
prevent Niagara being attacked, he must in both estimates have 
included women and children. He also stated that in October the 
Ontario, a new twenty gun ship, was lost in a gale of wind, and 
three hundred and fifty men, of the 34th British regiment, perished 
in her. 

In several previous letters I have spoken of the vast numbers of 
the delicious shad that every Spring ascended the Susquehanna, 
attaining, from change of food and the salt sea for the fresh river 
water, their highest excellence. The picture of old times would be 
incomplete, were we to omit noting the immense quantity of eels 
taken in the Fall of the year, descending the river. 

A wear was set in the stream, at Monockasy Island ; the returns 
from which, for the last of September and the beginning of October, 
1780, are before me. It would seem, a part of the time, the wear 
was visited but once in three days. 

Friday, Sept. 15 they took 90 18 they took 178 

21 640 24 1888 

29 2800 30 1200 

Oct. 1 1900 2 1400 

3 2100 4 1000 

5 500 6 250 

7 396 8 160 



8426 6076* 

making upwards of fourteen thousand. 

Thus the year 1780 passed in constant alarm, scouting and watch- 
fulness. Several valuable lives had been lost. Many estimable 
citizens had been torn from their families and homes, and taken into 
captivity. Still hope, which " springs eternal in the human breast," 
was buoyant. Courage stimulated the settlers to action. Fortitude 
nerved their hearts to endure. Treacherous despair was allowed 
no lodgement in a single bosom. Matters must mend ; it was im- 
possible they could be worse. Congress would not be insensible to 

* The greatness of the number will strike every reader with surprise. From Col. Frank- 
lin's Journal, the statement is carefully copied. No possible motive can be conceived for an 
erroneous entry. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 291 

their merits and sufferings. Connecticut, their parent State, who 
had planted them in the wilderness for noble objects, would not, 
could not be unmindful how much Westmoreland had done ! How 
many men had been furnished to her line of the army ! How much 
in taxes her treasury had, in time of pressing need, drawn from the 
exhausted people of Wyoming. Cheered and sustained by such 
reflections, especially after the noble resolve of the last Assembly, 
looking to indemnification, the year 1780 closed its sad and eventful 
term. 



LETTEE XXI. 



1781-2. The weather — Chorus — Indians attack Ransom's house — Marriage — Distant 

cannonading — Losses by the enemy — Assessments — Extreme poverty — Men iiilled below 
— Alarm — Capt. Spalding's company withdrawn, and Capt. Mitchell's substituted — 
Obvious policy — Indians renew their attacks — Rosewell Franklin — Priest Johnson — 
Bloody tragedy at Larned's — Capt. Bidlack's return — Representatives to Assembly — 
Courts of Law — Legal proceedings — Spirit of Blue Laws — Curious trial, Ayres, vs. 
Wolcott — Scene of deepest woe — Marriages — Hugh Forseman, Esq. — Murder of John 
Jameson and Asa Chapman — Touching incidents — Surrender of Cornwallis — Dawn of 
peace — Trial at Trenton — Jurisdiction of Connecticut ceases. 



In this letter I propose to include the incidents of 1781-82. The 
winter of 1780--1, passed without any event worthy of particular 
record. The weather was exceedingly fluctuating and unsettled. 
January was so open, that Franklin, in his minute journal, speaks of 
the 1st being warm; the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, as warm and muggy; 
the 5th, as warm and pleasant ; and the fact is thought of sufficient 
note to be recorded, that in the night it froze. Early the preced- 
ing December the river was closed with ice for a day or two, but 
soon opened, and the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of that month, are spoken 
of as warm and pleasant. Singing meetings, called in the language 
of the day, " a Chorus," were the amusements of the evening — thus : 
" Monday, January 1st, a chorus at Mr. Ryan's." 

On the 10th of March, the Savages made an attack on Samuel 
Ransom's house, in Plymouth, wounding him, though not severely. 
A spirited resistance was made, and one Indian left dead on the 
field. 

At Plymouth, Shawney, (or more properly, and far more sweetly, 
Chuanois) the possession had been kept up. At the commencement 
of the war, the proprietors, forseeing danger, and the whole settle- 
ment being desirous that those beautiful, and productive alluvial 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 293 

lands, consisting of a thousand acres of the richest river bottoms, 
should not be entirely neglected, and run to waste 

"Wanting the scythe, all uncorrected, rank, 

. Where nothing teems 

But hateful dock, rough thistles. 

Losing both beauty and utility," 

they made an agreement with several persons to give them the use 
of all the land they could cultivate during the war, if they would 
build block-houses of sufficient strength to defend it and keep posses- 
sion. Among those who associated for the purpose, were Major 
Prince Alden, Alexander Jameson, Joseph Jameson, Abraham Nes- 
bitt, Jonah Rogers, Samuel Ayers, Mr. Ransom, and others. Except 
at the general expulsion after the massacre in 1778, the lessees, some 
of whom were proprietors, held their ground ; attacked, defending 
themselves, fighting, suffering, they still maintained their position. 
Little, very little, were they able to farm, as less than two hundred 
acres were cultivated in 1781, in the whole Valley. 

On Sunday the 18th January, Joseph Kinney and Sarah Spalding 
were called off, that is, the banns were published, and on Thursday 
the 22nd married. It was an occasion of unusual festivity and joy. 
The bride was the eldest daughter of Capt. Simon Spalding, the 
gallant commander of the Connecticut Independent Company. [Mr. 
Kinney* was a learned and accomplished gentleman, of a peculiarly 
philosophic turn of mind. He settled at Sheshequin, and had a large 
family. One of his sons represented Bradford county for several 
years in the Assembly. Recently, at the advanced age of eighty- 
four, he resigned his spirit to his Maker, and his body to its parent 
earth. I well remember the spirit, and ingenuity, with which he 
used to controvert the theory that the Sun was a ball of fire. He 
scouted the idea that it was perpetually wasting itself by combus- 
tion ; or if it was fire, that its heat could be radiated to give effective 
warmth to the distant planets.] 

It may, by the curious, be regarded as sufficiently remarkable to 
deserve preservation, that during the war, heavy cannonadings were 
heard at Wyoming, proceeding, as was supposed, from the forts on 
the sea board, or fleets near the coast. On the 28th of March, 

* Brother of Newcome Kinney, known in 1785 as the popular writing and schoolmaster 
of Norwich, afterwards member of Assembly^ and it is believed, now (1845) living in that 
city. 



294 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Chambers' Mills on the Delaware were attacked, and Joshua Farn- 
ham slain. 

During the spring several meetings were holden by the Commis- 
sioners, under authority of the resolve of the General Assembly of 
the preceding year, to take an account of losses by the enemy, pre- 
paratory to making compensation. Whether a return was made to 
the Legislature is not known. It is presumed not, from the fact that 
the settlement was so broken, and the remnants of families so scat- 
tered, that it would have been impossible to obtain returns approach- 
ing to accuracy. Among Col. Butler's papers was found a memo- 
randum of his loss, amounting to three hundred eighty-seven pounds. 
John Jenkins, Esq., by a memorandum made by his son, claimed 
dE598 Is. 3c?. Several other partial lists have been found among the 
papers of the old settlers. As the real extent of loss cannot be 
ascertained, the mode of approximating nearest to the truth seems to 
be to take the assessment, made under oath, of the year before the mas- 
sacre, and comparing it with those taken after the battle. 

In 1776, Westmoreland was a'Ssessed £16,996 13s. 

In 1778, returned the January previous to the massacre, 20,322 
pounds, 17 shillings. 

November, 1780, the first assessment after the battle, 2,353 pounds; 
showing a diminution or loss, of 17,960 pounds, 17 shillings, or in 
dollars, 59,899. 

The assessment of 1781, though larger than that of the preceding 
year, we here record, it having been found entire, as a document 
illustrating, with singular clearness, the utter destitution of the settle- 
ment, three years before flourishing in palmy prosperity and glad- 
ness. 

" A true list of the Polls, and estate of the Town of Westmoreland, 
rateable by law, the 20lh of August 1781. 

114 male polls from 21 to 70, not especially exempted, at 18 
pounds each, .... Jl8 00 00 £2,052 00 00 

26 male polls, from 16 to 21, at . 9 00 00 234 00 00 

45 oxen, four years old and upw^ards, 4 00 00 180 00 00 

208 cows, three years old and upwards, 3 00 00 642 00 00 

14 steers three years old, . . 3 00 00 42 00 00 

18 steers and heifers two years old, 2 00 00 36 00 00 

57 steers and heifers one years old, 1 00 00 57 00 GO 



Amount carried forward, £3,243 00 00 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 295 



Amount brought forward, 
173 horse kind, 3 years old and upwards 
4 horse kind, two years old, . 
7 horse kind, one year old, 
127 swine, one year old and upwards, 
I9I5 acres of upland, mowing and 
clear pasture, at . . . 

95 acres bush pasture, at . 
2 silver watches, at . . . 

Assessment, traders and tradesmen. 

Hollenback and Hageman, merchants, 
Benjamin Bailey, blacksmith, 
Capt. John Franklin, one silver watch, 
Sarah Durkee, do. do. 







£3,243 00 00 


3 00 00 




519 00 00 


2 00 00 




8 00 00 


1 00 00 




7 00 00 


1 00 00 




127 00 00 


08 08 




76 12 00 


02 00 




9 10 00 


1 10 00 




3 00 00 


^650 00 


00 




15 00 


00 




1 10 


00 




1 10 


00 


68 00 00 



Total, £4,534 17 00 

If from this we deduct the Polls 2,286 00 00 



There will remain £2,248 17 00 
or in dollars, $7,496 17 ! 

Rumours of Indians on all sides of the settlement were rife. Lieut. 
Buck, from Sunbury, brought news that Capt. Campbell, Capt. 
Champlain and two other men, were killed or taken prisoners on 
the West Branch ; that on the 8th of April, Mr. Dunn was killed, 
and Captain Solomon taken near Fort Augusta. A family was also 
taken near Fort Allen, and another near Brinkers. On the 28th of 
the month, orders were received that Capt. Spalding's company 
should march to camp. Earlier in the year, Capt. Michael had been 
directed to assume the command at Wyoming, in "place of Colonel 
Butler, both movements being of deeper import than ordinary mili- 
tary regulations. The very natural, (perhaps very proper) certainly 
never sleeping jealousy of Pennsylvania, gloomy as was the hour, 
yet confident, since France had entered zealously into the contest, of 
ultimate independence, could not see Wyoming supported by a 
military force so hostile to her interests, and sought successfully 
to have the Connecticut troops withdrawn, and replaced by those 
in whose favour and fidelity the State could rely. 



296 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

On Sunday, the 9th of June, a party of twelve Indians made an 
attack on a block-house at Buttonwood, in Hanover, three miles be- 
low the Wilkesbarre Fort. They met with a warm reception. The 
house was gallantly defended, the women aiding the men with ala- 
crity and spirit. A party from the fort, on receiving the alarm, 
hastened down and found pools of blood, where Lieut. Rosewell 
Franklin had wounded, probably killed, an Indian. A terrible re- 
venge followed. Scouts constantly on the alert, one going out as 
another returned, ascended the river from fifty to eighty miles, and 
sought the enemy in every direction. On Tuesday the 14th, Lieut. 
Grain shot at and wounded an Indian, within six hundred yards of 
the garrison. The Rev. Mr. Johnson, now returned with his family 
from their exile to Connecticut, having been compelled to fly after 
the massacre in 1778. Glowing with ardour for religion, liberty 
and the Gonnecticut claim, the return was welcomed by his flock, 
indeed by the whole settlement, with cordial congratulations. Sun- 
day the 17th, he preached, and thenceforward " in season and out of 
season," he went from place to place, awakening sinners to repent- 
ance, arousing the people to new efforts, and sacrifices against the 
tyranny of England, and exhorting them by all means to adhere to, 
and support their righteous claim to their lands. But the cup of joy 
in coming to his devoted people, was almost immediately dashed from 
his lips by the death of Mrs. Butler, his daughter, consort of Col. Z. 
Butler. She died on the 26th of June, of typhus fever, and was 
buried the following day. The year, like the preceding, was ex- 
tremely sickly, and more mortal ; typhus fever being added to the 
remittent and intermittent, which had previously prevailed. A ser- 
vant of Gapt. Michael fell dead in the fort. A son of the late Gapt. 
Durkee bled to death from the nose. 

A party of Indians made their appearance at Shehola, and on the 
17th of June killed an old man, and took three prisoners, on the 
Delaware. Pursuit being made, the prisoners were liberated, and 
one Indian mortally wounded, the American party having a man 
severely shot in the thigh. The Indian, before dying, said they had 
been long out, and were the party that had attacked the block-house 
at Hanover. 

On the 3d of July, a bloody and most melancholy tragedy was 
enacted on the road leading from Wyoming to the Delaware, at 
Stroudsburg. Mr. Larned, an aged man, and his son George, were 
shot and scalped near their house. Another son, John, shot an In- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 297' 

dian, who was left dead on the spot where he fell. The savages car- 
ried off George Larned's wife, and an infant four months old, but not 
choosing to be encumbered with the child, they dashed out its 
brains. Being pursued, they abandoned the horses and plunder 
taken, and left the old man's scalp behind them. Larned's was the 
scene of another tragedy several years afterwards, which, in due 
time, we shall record. 

July 19th, Capt. Franklin says : " A cannonading has been heard 
for several days, and appears to be about New York." That the 
sound could travel so far over the ocean, would not seem strange, but 
considering the broken country, the deep forests, especially the high 
intervening Kittatiny mountain, may it not be regarded as extraor- 
dinary ? 

In the autumn, the settlement was surprised and gratified by the 
return of the aged Captain James Bidlack, and Mr. Harvey, also ad- 
vanced in years, two of the prisoners taken from Shawney the pre- 
ceding December. They had been liberated on parole by the Bri- 
tish at Niagara. 

As usual, the bustling and social town meetings, were " legally 
warned," and frequently holden. Capt. John Franklin and Obadiah 
Gore, were chosen representatives to the Assembly, that was to sit 
in October. A petition was agreed upon to be presented for an 
abatement of taxes, in consequence of the distressed state of the in- 
habitants ; and it is honorable to the Assembly, that they remitted 
the taxes for the year.* But a town tax was agreed to be raised, 
and the County Court on proper representations made, issued their 
writ, (the town meeting having no authority to do so,) for its col- 
lection. Legal gentlemen who may honour these pages with a pe- 
rusal, indeed other intelligent men may be pleased to look in upon 
the bench, see its organization, and note briefly their Honours pro^ 
ceedings. 

* The severe and simple character of the times and people, is beautifully illustrated by two 
or three entries in John Franklin's Journal. He repaired to the Assembly at Hartford, 
debated with zeal, if not eloquently; returned November 10th, and immediately sat as one of 
the Justices of the Ctuurum as Judge of the County Court. " November 2Ist, Wednesday, 
thrashed wheat for Scott. Thursday thrashing wheat, and not long afterwards, dressed flax 
for Capt. Fuller." An example which, if generally followed, would ensure the perpetua- 
tion of liberty and prosperity. 



298 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" At a County Court, holden within and for the county of West- 
moreland, etc. 

Present, Nathan Denison, Esq., Judge. 

John Franklin, Esq. ') Justices 
Hugh Forseman, Esq., > of 

Abel Pierce, Esq., ; Quorum. 
Jonathan Fitch, Esq., Sheriff. 

" Westmoreland County Court, ss., ) 
Nov. Term, 1781. ) 

Ordered — That there be a tax granted upon the List of 1781, on 
the inhabitants of Westmoreland, of two pence in the pound, to be 
paid by the first of January, 1782, either in hard money, or in spe- 
cific articles, at the following prices : viz. wheat, at four shillings 
(Connecticut currency, sixty-seven cents.) Rye, at three shillings. 
Corn, at two shillings. Flax, at nine pence per pound. 

The above specific articles to be delivered at the County Trea- 
sury." 

" Westmoreland County Court, ss., I 
Nov. Term, 1781. ) 
Upon the memorial of Abigail Hadden, of said Westmoreland, 
praying for a Bill of Divorcement from Simeon Hadden, her hus- 
band, as per memorial, on file, which facts, in said petition, being 
sufficiently supported. 

Therefore, Ordered, by the Court that the marriage of the said 
Simeon Hadden and Abigail, his wife, be declared null and void, and 
she is hereby declared single and unmarried." 

In an action of Felony. In this case, the jury find that the De- 
fendant is guilty, in manner and form, as the Plaintiff in his declara- 
tion hath alleged; therefore, find for the Plaintiff the sum of six shil- 
lings lawful money, damages, and his costs. 
£ s. d. 

Damages, 6 

Costs Taxed, 5 18 6 Execution granted July 25, 1782. 

6 4 6 

As not a single lawyer remained, Dana and Bullock having been 
slain in the battle, where their courage and spirit of patriotism led 
them ; although by law exempted from militia duty, and the Court 
having appointed Lieut. John Jenkins States-Attorney, and author- 
ized either party to plead his own cause, or avail himself of the aid 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 299 

of any other person, in whose wisdom he could confide, it would 
seem probable that the technicalities of the law may have been not 
unfrequently violated ; but it is believed that substantial justice was 
awarded by the Court. Disjointed as were the times ; aroused as 
were the passions, and unloosed as moral ties generally are, during 
the prevalence of war, it is a just and a pleasing tribute to Wyoming, 
that neither tradition, the court records, nor any memorandum 
found, disclosed a single crime that deserves the character of heinous. 
There never was a record for the same number of years less stained 
with guilt, its pages more pure and free from the taint of malignity 
and corruption. 

" Jdbez Sill vs. Susannah Reynolds. 

In action on Plea of Trespass, committed on a third division lot, 
in the District of Wilkesbarre, No. 33, demanding damages, etc. 
Upon which the Defendant set up title in the following manner : — 
That her late husband, Mr. Christopher Reynolds, (killed in the 
battle,) was the original proprietor of said lot. That he was law- 
fully seized and possessed of the same, at the time of his death. It 
appeared to the Court, that previous to administration being taken on 
said estate, Mr. Thomas Parke sold the lot aforesaid, and by sundry 
conveyances came into the hands of the Plaintiff. Whereupon the 
Court were of opinion, the Defendant is not guilty of the charge, 
therefore find for the Defendant her costs. It also appears at the 
investigation of the cause before the Court, that the property of the 
aforesaid thirty-third lot, in the third division of the District of 
Wilkesbarre, is in the Defendant (as being the relict of the said 
Christopher Reynolds, deceased,) and his children. 

Costs taxed at six shillings." 

It would seem that this was not a jury trial. In numerous in- 
stances, the jurors are named as part of the record. On one occasion, 
a special County Court was called at the instance of the Plaintiff, 
and a fellow promptly convicted of stealing an ox belonging to the 
public stores. 

From the general character of fairness in the judicial proceedings, 
we find but two exceptions. The first ; but let the Record speak for 
itself. 

*' Westmoreland County, Dec. 28th, 1782. 

Mary Pritchard is found guilty of unnecessarily going from her 
place of abode, on the Lord's Day, on the 10th of November last: 



300 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Therefore, Ordered, that she pay a fine of five shillings, lawful mo- 
ney, to the Treasury of the Town of Westmoreland, and cost. 

John Fkanklin, Justice of the Peace." 

The other being also a trial not by the County Court and jury, but 
before a single Justice. We copy from the Justice's Docket. 

" Samuel Ayres vs. John Wolcott. 

At a Justice's Court, holden at Westmoreland, Dec. 26th, 1782, 
Present, John Franklin, Justice of the Peace, wherein John Wolcott, 
a transient person is brought before the said Court, by virtue of an 
advertisement put forth by Samuel Ayres, of said Westmoreland, 
wherein the said John Wolcott is accused of feloniously taking a 
buckskin from the said Samuel Ayres, about the 30th of November 
last, of the value of nineteen shillings, lawful money. 

The delinquent pleads not guilty. The Court, on examining the 
delinquent, and hearing the evidence, and after taking the case into 
consideration, are of the opinion that the said John Wolcott is guilty 
of feloniously taking a buckskin from the said Samuel Ayres, of the 
value of nineteen shillings, lawful money. 

Therefore Ordered, that the said Wolcott forfeit and pay to the 
said Samuel Ayres, the sum of nineteen shillings, lawful money, with 
the treble damages, as the law directs, together with costs. And 
also pay a fine to the Treasury of the Town of Westmoreland, of the 
sum of fifteen shillings, lawful money, or receive ten stripes upon the 
naked body. 

Bill of Costs, taxed at ^10. £ s. d. 

Costs: viz. Reward of Advertisement, - - - 18 00 

Lieut. Ransom, pursuit to Juniata, and bringing back 

the delinquent, 

Expenses, and a horse for the journey, 

Hiring a man to assist, - . - . . 

Plaintiff look after delinquent, - - - - 

Plaintiff, two days attendance, - - . - 
Officers' Fees, ---.-.. 
Two Evidences, ...... 

SubpcEna, - - - -- 

Court Fees, Assignment and Indenture, 



- 2 


04 


10 


- 4 


06 


00 


- 1 


10 


00 


. 


06 


00 


- 


03 


00 


- 


01 


08 


- 


04 


00 


- 


00 


06 


. 


06 


00 


^10 


00 


00 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 301 

Whereas the above named John Wolcott, is unable to make resti- 
tution, or to pay the threefold damages and costs, it being the sum 
of aei2 17s. in the whole: Therefore, Ordered, by said Court, that 
the said John Wolcott be assigned in service to the said Samuel 
Ayres, for the sum of two full years from this date, to be disposed of 
in service to any of the subjects of the United States. December 31, 
1782. John Franklin, Justice of the Peace." 

The whole proceedings bear the impress of extreme severity, at 
variance with the generally mild and equitable dispensation of the 
law. Sixty years, to be sure, have wrought a great alteration in our 
notions of justice, and public sentiment could now but ill endure 
what then was regarded as entirely proper. The pursuit of Wolcott 
to Juniata, an hundred miles, for so small an affair as a deerskin, 
worth perhaps a dollar, appears not a little singular. If nothing 
existed more than appears on the Record, we might be led to 
suppose that the spirit of the far-famed Connecticut Blue Laws was 
not yet entirely extinct. This was the last but two decisions before 
the jurisdiction of Wyoming was severed from Connecticut. At 
Trenton, the court had been in session two months. Their decision 
was anticipated, and indeed was rendered about the time of the trial 
of Wolcott. Whether he was regarded as an emissary of the Penn- 
sylvania landholders, and the binding him out for two years was 
deemed the surest way to get rid of him, knowing, of course, he 
would run away, we cannot aver, but deem it probable, as the most 
charitable conclusion. We return back to our narrative, 1781. 

On Friday the 7th of September, a band of Indians made an attack 
on the Hanover setttlement, and took oif Arnold Franklin, and Rose- 
well Franklin, Jr., the sons of Lieut. Franklin, who had shot an 
Indian the preceding June. Several horses were stolen, and much 
grain, in stack, consumed by fire. Capt. Michael, with a detach- 
ment of men, went in pursuit ; but the enemy eluded his vigilance. 
Perhaps the narrative of Lieut. Rosewell Franklin may be most pro- 
perly concluded here, although events that subsequently occurred be 
anticipated. 

A more distressing tragedy scarcely crimsons the page of history. 
In April following, Sunday the 7th, 1782, the Indians, still burning 
with rage, and intent on vengeance, rushed into Lieut. Franklin's 
house, and took off his wife and their four remaining children, one 
an infant, set fire to the building, which, with the furniture not plun- 
dered, was consumed to ashes. Parties went immediately in pur- 



302 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

suit. Serjeant Thomas Baldwin, (Joseph Elliott second in com- 
mand,) led seven determined men, with great celerity, taking an un- 
frequented course to head the Savages. Arrived at Wyalusing, near 
sixty miles, they were satisfied, by examining the fording place, that 
the Indians had not crossed the stream. Pushing on till they came 
to the mountain, nearly opposite Asylum, a slight breast-work was 
thrown up, and arrangements made to receive the enemy. Every 
precaution had been taken to conceal the defence by setting up 
bushes in front ; but the wary chief, on approaching, discovered the 
snare, changed the route of his party, leaving the path, and at- 
tempted to asccend the hill, and pass our men, fifty or sixty rods 
more easterly. The attack was instantly commenced, a mutual fire 
was opened, and continued for some time with spirit, and yet with 
caution ; the Indians being desirous to get off with their prisoners and 
plunder ; the pursuing party being afraid of hurting Mrs. Franklin 
and the children. In the midst of the firing, the two little girls and 
the boy sprung from their captors, and found refuge with their 
friends ! Instantly the Savages shot Mrs. Franklin and retreated ; 
the chief, either to preserve the infant prisoner as a trophy, or to 
save himself from being a mark for the American rifles, raised the 
babe on his shoulder, and thus bearing her aloft, fled. Having reco- 
vered three of the children, and seeing the bleeding remains of the 
mother, the Yankees suspended pursuit. Mrs. Franklin was buried 
decently as circumstances permitted, and the children brought safely 
to Wyoming, where they arrived on the 16th. Two of the men, 
Serjeant Baldwin and Oliver Bennet, were wounded, the former 
severely, by the enemy's fire. The vigorous pursuit and spirited 
action were worthy of emphatic commendation. 

It would almost seem as if a fell spirit pursued the fortunes of 
Lieut. Franklin. He was a worthy man, of decided courage; in the 
battle, as ensign in Capt. McKarrican's company, having behaved 
with spirit. Enterprising and industrious, yet nothing prospered 
under his hand. When the troubles with Pennsylvania, after the 
war, were renewed at Wyoming, he sought repose from the long 
conflicts he had been engaged in, by removing with his family into 
the Genesee country, where he settled without title ; the lands 
there being in controversy between Massachusetts and New York. 
After two years of arduous labour, winter approached and found his 
cellar stored and his granaries full, the product of a fruitful soil, and 
unremitted industry. A ray of gladness broke in on his dwelling, 
and " Hope and Pleasure smiled." Gov. Clinton had bided his time. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 303 

and seizing the moment when his measures could not fail to be effec- 
tive, veiling all the feelings of humanity, suppressing all the kindlier 
sympathies of our nature, under the pretence or plea of public policy, 
he sent a band of men, early in winter, into the Genesee country, to 
destroy the settlements making there. Every habitation was burnt, 
the improvement^ laid waste, and all the grain consumed by fire. 
Lieut. Franklin looked around him a moment on this new scene of 
desolation and woe, in utter despair ; seized his rifle and put an end 
to his existence. 

We must be allowed to relieve the gloom thrown around our 
pages, by the melancholy fate of the unfortunate Franklin, 

" And cause the sable cloud 
Turn forth her silver lining on the night." 

The winter was cheered by several marriages of persons eminent in 
the Valley. Lieut. Lawrence Myers was married to Miss Sarah 
Gore, January 3rd, 1782. She, of the patriotic family that sent five 
brothers and two brothers-in-law into the battle. That she was 
very handsome cannot be doubted, for in 1837, then eighty years of 
age, the round face, regular features, and pleasing expression told of 
remarkable youthful beauty. [Lieut. Myers was of a German family 
from Frederick town, Maryland. Robust in early manhood, he be- 
came corpulent with advancing age, and presented a singular con- 
trast with the spare forms of the Yankees, worn down by exertion 
and care.* But he was ever a favorite. His large round face 
seemed radiant with benevolence and cheerfulness. Besides several 
offices in the militia, he was for thirty years a magistrate, and in 
1800, Commissioner of the county. The plan of the Court House, a 
cross, was introduced by him, taken from that at Fredericktown ; 
which doubtless owed its origin to the Roman Catholic settlers of 
Maryland, under their liberal and tolerant founder, though that it 
w-as an emblem of Catholicism, or had any Christian allusion, was 
probably unknown to Mr. Myers, or those in Luzerne who approved 
thereof. The delight of his life was to talk of Frederick, a,nd any 
thing that existed or came from there was an object of his special 
regard. Owning one of the noblest plantations on the Kingston 
fiats, adjoining the Plymouth line, though he did not personally 
labour, he caused it to be highly cultivated, the produce of which 

* I might almost say, if the Yankees would forgive me, he appeared a picture of plenty 
surrounded by famine. 



304 HISTORY OP WYOMING, 

yielded a liberal support. The ancient people are still pleased to 
tell of his almost daily crossing the river to Wilkesbarre, accompa- 
nied by the little shaggy water dog, spotted black and white, his 
unfailing attendant, running by his master's side, or sitting by his 
feet. If perchance the ferry-boat put off from shore without him, 
the dog would seem to measure the distance with mathematical pre- 
cision, run up the river so far that the stream should not take him 
below the landing place, plunge in and swim over. In winter, the 
large and elegant cloth cloak, in those early days an article of dress 
too fine and costly not to be rare, gave to his noble person an impo- 
sing appearance. He died of dropsy, aged about fifty years, leaving, 
as he had no children, his fine estate to Mrs. Myers and his two 
brothers. In times of high excitement, from Washington's adminis- 
tration onward to the time of his decease, " Esquire Myers," which 
was the usual designation, was a zealous Federalist, but too liberal 
and kind to cherish a particle of ill will against his opponents. The 
fact is the rather noted, because it is believed he was the only one 
of the name who did not entertain different sentiments, and because 
his name and character for several years gave that party great 
influence, aiding to preserve it in the ascendancy. But this is a di- 
gression.] 

Sunday, the 17th of February, 1782, Hugh Forseman , Esq., and 
Judith Slocum were called off; and on the succeeding Sunday, viz. 
the 24th, were married. Miss Slocum was the sister of the lost 
Frances, and daughter of Mr. Jonathan Slocum, who, with Mr. 
Tripp, was so audaciously murdered by the Indians in sight of the 
fort, three years previously. [Mr. Forseman we have seen as Justice 
of the Peace, and sitting as one of the Justices of Quorum in the 
County Court. A man of business and probity, few shared more 
highly the general confidence. As Clerk of the Town, his writing is 
singularly neat and accurate. To his care we are indebted that the 
old Westmoreland Records were preserved. Mr. Forseman was from 
Ireland, where a lease of considerable value depended on his life. 
The lessee being accustomed annually to send him a piece of fine 
linen, his receipt therefore being the proof that he was still alive.] 

As shadows and sunshine chase each other over the plain, so do 
the events of our narrative alternate. 

On Sunday, the 10th of March, the good deacon John Hurlbut 
departed this life; a life full of respect and usefulness. The confi- 
dence reposed in him, is attested by his having been, when, from 
the distressed state of the country, the sagest men for wisdom, and 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 305 

the brightest in virtue, were required for public trusts, three times 
chosen member of Assembly, besides fulfilling other offices of lesser 
note. If he did not live to enjoy the repose and prosperity that re- 
sulted from his labours, it is pleasing to be able to record that a son 
of his, Napthali Hurlbut, Esq., was in after days honoured by the 
citizens of Luzerne with the office of High Sheriff of the county. 

A lad was murdered by the Indians near Bunkers, on Saturday, the 
1st of June, 1782. 

Hanover was the scene of another bloody deed on Monday, the 
Sth of July. John Jameson, and a lad, his brother, accompanied by 
Asa Chapman, were riding up from Nanticoke, their residence near 
(now) Lee's Mills, intending to go to Wilkesbarre. As they came 
opposite the Hanover meeting house, Jameson exclaimed, " there are 
Indians." Before he could turn his horse he received three rifle balls, 
and fell dead to the earth. Chapman being behind him, had time to 
draw the rein and turn, but was instantly wounded. Clinging to 
the saddle, the frighted horse bore him beyond their reach. The lad 
being in the rear, escaped. Chapman lingered several hours, sent for 
his wife, and took an affectionate leave of her. Capt. Franklin cut 
out the ball, but it had done its office, and he presently expired. 

On the 26th of the month, a man, a woman, and two children, 
were killed near Catawissa, thirty miles below Wyoming. 

Saturday the 27th. — The gloomy monotony of war was broken, and 
the settlement cheered by the return of George Palmer Ransom, one 
of the seven prisoners taken in December 1780. A young man full 
of courage and ardour, he could not brook confinement, made his 
escape encountering great hardships. The events of his captivity 
and return, will furnish an interesting page in our chapter of person- 
al narratives. We have the satisfaction to say, that as I write, 
(April 20, 1845,) Col. Ransom still lives. 

Saturday the 12th. — Daniel McDowal was taken prisoner at 
Shawney, and carried to Niagara. He was son of the benevolent 
Scotch gentleman at Stroudsburg, who, as we have previously seen, 
befriended with such disinterested and untiring perseverance, the 
Yankee settlers in their first efforts to establish themselves at Wyo- 
ming. He was the father of Mrs. McKean, wife of Gen. Samuel 
McKean, of Bradford county, recently United States Senator. 

Imperfectly protected, constantly harrassed, wounded, bleeding at 
every pore, Capt. Spalding and the Wyoming Independent Com- 
pany, consisting of nearly all the remaining able bodied men of the 
town, cruelly drawn away below the mountains, the handful of 
20 



306 HISTORY OP WYOMING, 

people remaining, in town meeting, with a fortitude and devotion 
never surpassed, still struggled for existence. In April voted, — '* That 
the town treasurer be desired to grind up so much of the public 
wheat, (received for taxes,) as to make two hundred pounds of bis- 
cuit, and keep it made, and so deposited, as that the necessary 
scouts may instantly be supplied from time to time as occasion 
requires." 

And subsequently, September the 10th, 

" Voted — That Col. Nathan Denison be desired to send scouts up 
the river, as often and as far as he shall think it necessary, to dis- 
cover the movements of the enemy ; receiving his instructions from 
time to time, and to make immediate returns to him, as soon as they 
shall return back, and be subject to be examined under oath, touch- 
ing their faithfulness ; they to be found bread and ammunition, and 
be paid six shillings a day while in actual service, by this town. 
The selectmen to draw an order on the town treasurer for such sums, 
to be paid in produce at the market price.* 

The ever memorable surrender of Lord Cornwallis had taken 
place on the 19th of October, 1781, which, in effect, decided the 
contest in favor of America and Independence. The Rev. Benjamin 
Bidlack and Nathan Beach, Esq., at that time young men in the 
prime of life, both from Wyoming, and both now living here, each 
having numbered more than four score years, were present at the 
ca pitulation. 

General Conway, on the 27th of February, 1782, moved in the 
House of Commons : " That it is the opinion of this House, that a 
further prosecution of offensive war against America, would, under 
present circumstances, be the means of weakening the efforts of this 
country against her European enemies, and tend to increase the 

♦ As has beea previously explained, the town of Westmoreland, as laid offby Connecticut, 
and held under her jurisdiction, extended a degree of latitude on the Delaware, thence the 
present dividing line between New York and Pennsylvania, being the northern boundary, 
stretching west many miles beyond the Susquehanna. There were two distinct settlements 
proper — the main one in and about Wyoming Valley ; the other, highly respectable, and 
for a time flourishing, on the Lackawaxen. which flows into the Delaware, called in the old 
records the Lackawa settlement. In respect to this second portion of Westmoreland, our 
narrative has but slightly adverted ; and the writer is indebted for the extremely well written 
account, which will be found in a subsequent letter, to Warren J. Woodward, Esq., 
nephew of the Hon. George W. Woodward, President Judge of the 4th Judicial District, 
both of them natives of old " Lackawa." While I proffer my grateful acknowledgments 
for the aid thus afforded in throwing light on that part of the Wyoming history, I cannot 
withhold the expression of pride I feel in witnessing the deserved honours already won by 
descendants of one of the early settlers there. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 307 

mutual enmity so fatal to the interests both of Great Britain and Ame- 
rica ;" which was carried against the strenuous opposition of the 
ministry. On the 4th of March following, Parliament choosing to 
be more explicit, resolved, " That the house will consider as enemies 
to his Majesty and the country, all those who should advise, or at- 
tempt a further prosecution of offensive war on the continent of North 
America." An immediate change of ministry ensued, and negotia- 
tions for peace soon followed. 

Although clouds still lowered, the thunder growled along the hills, 
and an occasional leven bolt burst in the Valley, yet the bow of 
promised peace, with its radiant hues, spanned the eastern sky, and 
awakened sweet hopes of security and rest. 

The number of lives actually lost in Wyoming, during the war, 
it is impossible to estimate with certainty. Probably three hundred, 
being one in ten of every inhabitant, or exceeding one-third of the 
adult male population at the commencement of the war. Connecti- 
cut to have suffered in the same proportion, would have lost near 
twenty-three thousand, and the United Colonies three hundred thou- 
sand. 

Almost immediately after Lord Cornwallis's surrender, the contest 
being regarded as virtually closed, that is, on the 3d of November, 
fifteen days after that event, a petition was presented to Congress, 
" from the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, stating a 
matter in dispute between the said State and the State of Connec- 
ticut, respecting sundry lands lying on the east branch of the river 
Susquehanna, and praying a bearing in the premises, agreeable t^ 
the ninth article of the Confederation." 

Connecticut promptly met the overtures of Pennsylvania, and 
both parties during the winter made preparations for the trial. 
Preliminary proceedings were adopted early the following summer. 
On the 12th of August, 1782, the delegates from the two States 
announced, in a joint memorial to Congress, that they bad mutu- 
ally agreed on gentlemen to constitute the court : — the Hon. William 
Whipple, Esq., of New Hampshire ; the Hon. Major-General Natha^ 
niel Greene, of Rhode Island ; the Hon. David Brearly, and William 
Churchill Houston, Esq., of New Jersey ; the Hon. Cyrus Griffin, 
and Joseph Jones, Esq., of Virginia. 

A subsequent communication August 23d, from the joint delegates, 
stated, it was ascertained that Gen. Greene and Hon. John Rut- 
ledge, (whose name does not previously appear on the journal,) could 
not attend, and substituting Hon. Welcome Arnold, of Rhode Island, 



308 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

and Hon. Thomas Nelson, of Virginia ; any five of whom to consti- 
tute a quorum. 

Five commissioners, viz : Messrs. Whipple, Arnold, Houston, Griffin 
and Brearly, opened their court at Trenton, November 12, 1782. 
Messrs. William Bradford, Joseph Reed, James Wilson, and Jonathan 
D. Sergeant, appearing as counsel on behalf of Pennsylvania. Messrs. 
Eliphlet Dyer, William S. Johnson and Jesse Root, being the agents 
from Connecticut. 

The court having declined to order notice to be given to the settlers 
at Wyoming, claiming the land — as the right of soil did not come 
before them; the question they were empowered to decide, being 
solely that of jurisdiction, the parties proceeded with their several 
allegations and pleas, and after a sitting of forty-one judicial days, 
viz : on Monday, December 30, 1782, gave their decision in these 
words : — 

"We are unanimously of opinion that Connecticut has no right to 
the lands in controversy. 

" We are also unanimously of opinion, that the jurisdiction and 
pre-emption of all the territory lying within the charter of Pennsyl- 
vania, and now claimed by the State of Connecticut, do of right be- 
long to the State of Pennsylvania." 

Clear, comprehensive, and explicit, Pennsylvania was satisfied, and 
Connecticut submitted without breathing a sigh for the loss of so 
noble a domain, the right to which she had so strenuously main- 
tained, or a murmur at a decision which seemed to the surrounding 
world so extraordinary. 

But as this trial, spoken of before in our examination of the titles of 
the two States, to Wyoming, will be found more fully treated of here- 
after, we take leave of it, with this brief notice for the present. 

With the close of the year 1782, and the Trenton decree, the 
jurisdiction of Connecticut, which had continued nine years, ceased; 
the cheerful and salutary town meetings were no longer holden, and 
we close the old parchment bound book with the most profound 
sentiments of respect, and with feelings of sincere regret, as if part- 
ing from a long cherished friend. A box of finely polished oak should 
be made for it ; as the descendants of the old settlers may look back 
upon that humble volume, from seats of aflSuence or high places of 
power, centuries hence, with honest prideat the recorded trans- 
actions of their fathers. 



LETTER XXII. 



Being a chapter of great moment. 

1782. A paragraph of Retrospect — Opening of a very interesting matter — Eloquent 

Petition — Important Letter — Proceedings of Pennsylvania Assembly — A military force 
sent to Wyoming — Fort Dickinson — Negotiations — Joseph Montgomery — John Jenkins — 
Extraordinary proposition of compromise — Alexander Patterson — Rupture of negotia- 
tions — Consequent proceedings — Report of Commissioners to Assembly — Peace with 
Great Britain — Incidents — Settlers, broken-hearted, lookout for a new home — "Act to 
stay suits" — Military preparations — Col. Butler returns from the army with his bride — 
Is arrested by Patterson, and sent to Sunbury jail — Major Prince Alden, Capt. James 
Bidlack, and Benjamin Harvey, arrested — Further arrests — Violent proceedings. 



In the preceding Letters I have endeavored to give you a brief 
sketch of the Natives who formerly held dominion over Wyoming. 
Secondly, the origin and grounds of the controversy respecting juris- 
diction and soil, that existed betv^^een Pennsylvania and Connecticut. 
Thirdly, the efforts to settle the country, and the accruing conflicts, 
known at the " old Pennymite and Yankee war." Fourthly, the events 
of the Revolutionary war, to its close, including the trial and deci- 
sion at Trenton ; the whole intermingled with civil and personal 
details, necessary to give you a perfect view of Wyoming as it then 
existed. 

I now proceed to trace the further history of Wyoming, from 1782 
to 1790, some portions of it of singular vicissitude and interest. 

Immediately on the promulgation of the Trenton decree, we have 
seen that Connecticut withdrew her jurisdiction, and the county and 
town of Westmoreland ceased to exist, except as its memory was pre- 
served in the records of the past. 

An intimation has been suggested that the Trenton trial was not, 
in fact, what on its fair pages it purports to be, a bona fide examina- 
tion, and impartial judgment upon a matter of right, in respect to 
territory and jurisdiction between the two states ; but in fact, by a 



310 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

secret understanding and collusion, a legal form of transfer (some- 
thing in the form of a common recovery) of the claim of Connecticut 
to Pennsylvania, within the limits of the Pennsylvania Charter, with 
the confidential understanding that Connecticut was to receive an 
equivalent, or indemnity, in the Western Reserve. As we proceed, 
facts that arise, bearing on that point, will be particularly noticed. 

From the commencement of the war for Independence the Sus- 
quehanna Company had pretermitted their meetings, no one being 
found recorded from May 1774 to Nov. 13th, 1782, when, prepara- 
tory to the trial at Trenton, the Company were convened at Hart- 
ford, and appointed Messrs. Dyer, Root, and Johnson (who had been 
selected by the state to appear as counsel before the court), to act 
also as their agents, and those of the settlers. Surprised at the un- 
looked for decision, the Company seem darkly to have surmised that 
there was something behind the curtain not avowed, nor perfectly 
understood, and at a meeting holden at Hartford, May 21st, 1783, 
they appointed " Col. Talcott, Gen. Parsons, and Samuel Gray, a 
committee to lay a memorial before the General Assembly, in behalf 
of the Susquehanna Company, that the Assembly would desire Dr. 
Johnson and Col. Root, agents of this state, to give said Assembly 
an account of the trial of the cause between this state and the state 
of Pennsylvania, at the court holden at Trenton." It will be observed 
that of Col. Dyer, the other agent, no explanation is requested, as 
probably of him no suspicion existed. It is not known that the 
Assembly took any order on the petition. 

The condition of the settlers was embarrassing and gloomy in the 
extreme. By a Resolution of Congress the Commander in Chief had 
been authorized, previous to the trial, to withdraw the garrison from 
Wyoming, Connecticut concurring. Their place was supplied, of 
course, by troops from Pennsylvania. A comparative handful re- 
mained, the broken remnants of the war ; a great portion of those 
who had been expelled after the massacre, remaining in exile, espe- 
cially the young men growing up to manhood, the natural hope and 
stay of the settlement, who being left orphans, had been bound out to 
mechanics and farmers, and whose time of apprenticeship had not 
yet expired. Thus situated they were advised to cast themselves at 
the feet of the Pennsylvania Government, and solicit protection, 
pardon and mercy. A petition was drawn up, in many points elo- 
quent "and touchingly pathetic, and signed by John Paul Schotts, 
Esq., with a number of the inhabitants, and presented to the 
Assembly, January 18th, 1783. Being but eighteen days after the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 311 

Trenton decree, the process of its drawing up, circulation, signature, 
transmission to the city, and presentation, exhibit a celerity that 
bears any impress rather than that of cool deliberation. The style 
is markedly peculiar. We pronounce with great confidence, from 
internal evidence, that it could not have been written in Wyoming. 
It exhibits in no particular the peculiar characteristics of the style, 
either of Franklin or Jenkins, the ready writers of the settlers. 
From all which we infer, that the petition was prepared below the 
mountains, probably by the Connecticut agents at Trenton, with the 
concurrence of those of Pennsylvania; its signature and presentation 
being hurried on without giving time to the inhabitants to recover 
from the shock produced by that highly politic, but nevertheless 
extraordinary decision. 

In such a variety of aspects does the petition appear to warrant 
especial attention, that we publish it here entire, in preference to 
throwing it into the Appendix. 

"To the Honorable the Representatives of the freemen of the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met. 

" The memorial and address of Nathan Denison, Hugh Forseman, 
Obadiah Gore, Samuel Shephard and John Paul Schott, inhabitants, 
settlers, and proprietors of a territory of country situated on the 
waters of the Susquehanna river, under the claim of the State of 
Connecticut, on behalf of themselves and others of the inhabitants, 
settlers, etc., of the said country," 

"Most respectfully sheweth. That in the year 1754, a number of 
the inhabitants of Connecticut, finding all the lands eastward of the 
line of the State of New York settled and appropriated, proceeded 
to purchase of the Six Nations a large territory of country, extend- 
ing from Delaware, westward, about one hundred and sixty miles, 
and in breadth, the whole forty-[second] degree of north latitude, and 
gave a valuable consideration, supposing, that without dispute, the 
aforesaid territory was included in the charter granted them by 
King Charles the Second, April 3d, 1662, and formed themselves 
into a company of proprietors, by the consent of the Legislature, and 
regulated by the laws of said State, and proceeded to locate the 
valuable lands situated on the eastern branch of the Susquehanna 
river, the full breadth of the forty-[second] degree, extending six miles 
east, and twenty miles west of said river. Having no apprehension 
that any royal grant covered the same, either previous or subsequent 
to the aforesaid Charter of Connecticut, they proceeded to plant 



312 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

themselves through said territory, and [cultivate] the same, among 
which number of settlers are your petitioners, and those whom they 
represent, in full confidence of the justice of our title, under Connec- 
ticut, with the most honest intentions, we uniformly maintained our 
supposed right, by opposing persons claiming under the Pennsyl- 
vania Proprietary, who frequently interrupted us in what we 
esteemed our lawful business. Constantly wishing for an absolute 
decision between the two States, concerning jurisdiction, we used 
every effort to expedite such decision, resolutely determined to main- 
tain the title which we had acquired, until a more equitable one 
could be established. In the year 1763, and a number of successive 
years, appeals were made to the Crown, by one and the other State, for 
a final decision, which were yet depending when the commencement 
of the present war put a period to all appeals to the Crown. In the 
course of which appeals, the opinion of the Counsel, most eminent 
and learned in the law, was taken, who advised (as we apprehended,) 
fully in the favour of the claim of Connecticut. This greatly encou- 
raged your Memorialists that they were right in supporting their 
claim. 

" In 1774, the Legislature of the State of Connecticut asserted 
their claim, erected civil jurisdiction, and complete civil and military 
establishments according to the laws and usages of said State, which 
led your Memorialists into a greater confidence of their security 
under said State, and induced them to build houses and mills for 
their convenience, and to cultivate a country which we esteemed 
our own. Since that time, attempts have been made to dispossess us 
in a hostile manner, which the law of self preservation obliged us to 
oppose, in the course of which there were faults on both sides, which 
we hope may be cancelled and buried in oblivion. 

"The right of jurisdiction was always esteemed important to the 
claiming State, and more especially to the settlers and tenants, who 
have ventured their all there, and who were combatting difficulties 
and dangers in every shape. 

" After recourse to Great Britain was cut off", it was provided, 
that in all disputes concerning boundaries, jurisdiction, etc., the 
United States, in Congress, shall be the last resort and appeal. That 
judges be appointed to hear and determine the matter in question ; 
and that the sentence of the Court be decisive between the parties. 
And also all controversies, the private right of soil being claimed 
under different grants of two or more Slates, etc. ; said grants, etc., 
shall, on the petition of either party to the Congress of the United 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 313 

States, be finally determined, as near as may be, pursuant to this 
provision. The Honorable Congress established a Court ; both 
States were cited, and appeared ; the cause was heard for more than 
forty days ; the grounds stated on which each State asserted their 
right of jurisdiction. On which, the Court finally adjudged in 
favour of the State of Pennsylvania, by which the jurisdiction of the 
disputed territory, on which your Memorialists live, is adjudged 
yours. By this adjudication, we are under your jurisdiction and 
protection. We are subjects and free citizens of the State of Penn- 
sylvania, and have to look up to your Honours as our fathers, guard- 
ians and protectors, entitled to every tender regard and respect, as to 
justice, equity, liberty and protection, on which we depend, and 
which we are warranted to do by the impartial treatment that all, 
even strangers have received, when once they became inhabitants 
and citizens of this great and flourishing State. 

" Thus have we stated the grounds on which our title was esta- 
blished ; which, though determined to be ill grounded by the honor- 
able Court, appeared to be founded in the highest reason, we verily 
thought it our duty to do as we did. If we have committed faults, 
we pray for mercy and forgiveness. If we have deserved any thing, 
we hope something from the gratitude of our country. We have 
settled a country (in its original state,) but of little value, but now 
cultivated by your Memorialists, is to them of the greatest import- 
ance, being their all. We are yet alive, but the richest blood of our 
neighbours and friends, children, husbands and fathers, has been spilt 
in the general cause of their country, and we have suffered every 
danger this side death. We supplied the continental army with 
many valuable officers and soldiers, and left ourselves weak and un- 
guarded against the attack of the Savages, and others of a more 
savage nature. Our houses are desolate — many mothers childless — 
widows and orphans multiplied — our habitations destroyed, and 
many families reduced to beggary, which exhibits a scene most piti- 
ful and deserving of mercy. If the greatest misfortunes can demand 
pity and mercy, we greatly deserve them. That the country twenty- 
six miles in breadth, the length aforesaid, when compared with the 
extended territory of the State of Pennsylvania, is trifling indeed. 
That the present population is of far more consequence to this State 
than it could have been in an uncultivated state. We are yet enti- 
tled to another trial for our particular possessions, according to the 
ninth article of the Confederation, but reduced in every respect, we 
are unable to maintain a trial against an opulent State. We there- 



314 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

fore present a request, which the laws of justice and policy suggest, 
and which the dictates of humanity demand. 

" That your Honours of your abundant goodness and clemency, 
would be pleased to grant and confirm to your Memorialists, and 
those whom they represent, the inconsiderable part of the claim con- 
tested, extended as above, to be appurted [held ?] as they were be- 
fore the decision. Thus will you increase the inhabitants of this 
flourishing State, will add to its wealth and strength, will give joy to 
the widow and fatherless. Sure these must be irresistible motives 
to a just, generous and merciful Assembly. Our only resource is in 
your decision : — If that is unfavorable, we are reduced to desperation ; 
unable to purchase the soil, we must leave our cultivations and pos- 
sessions, and be thrown into the wide world, our children crying for 
bread, which we shall be unable to give them. 

" It is impossible that the magnanimity of a powerful and opulent 
State will ever condescend to distress an innocent and brave people, 
that have unsuccessfully struggled against the ills of fortune. We care 
not under what State we live, if we can be protected and happy. 
We will serve you — we will promote your interests — will fight your 
battles ; but in mercy, goodness, wisdom, justice, and every great 
and generous principle, do leave us our possessions, the dearest 
pledge of our brothers, children, and fathers, which their hands have 
cultivated, and their blood, spilt in the cause of their country, has 
enriched. 

" We further pray, that a general act of oblivion and indemnity 
may be passed, and that Courts of Judicature be established accord- 
ing to the usages and customs of this State ; that we be, not only a 
happy but a well organized and regulated people, and that all judi- 
cial proceedings of the prerogative courts, and the common law 
courts, held by, and under the authority of the State of Connecticut, 
be ratified and fully confirmed. 

" And they, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

" John Paul Schott. 

'' Philadelphia, Jan' y I8th, 1783." 

Observation will be attracted, in the outset, by the full and accu- 
rate knowledge of the Connecticut title exhibited, dates as of King 
Charles the Second's Charter, granted " 3d April, 1662," being so 
minutely correct. Moreover, the boundaries set forth being specifi- 
cally accurate. Whether this does not indicate the pen of a lawyer, 
whose mind was imbued with the recent examination of the whole 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 315 

subject, or whether it reads like the setting forth of an unlettered, 
though strong-minded farmer, the reader will determine. 

Furthermore, the petition says : " Thus have we stated the grounds 
on which owr title was established, which though determined to be ill 
grounded, etc. Assuredly the settlers would not, could not, delibe- 
rately and understandingly declare, that the decision of jurisdiction 
pronounced their title " ill grounded." " If we have committed 
faults, we pray for mercy and forgiveness." Was this the style and 
tone proper for the brave and suffering Wyoming settlers to assume, 
who had defended the country through a seven years war, or that of 
conscious criminals ? 

Again : " If the greatest misfortunes can demand pity and mercy, 
we greatly deserve them." 

Speaking of a trial, as provided under the ninth article of Confede- 
ration, they are made to say, " Reduced in every respect, we are 
unable to maintain a trial against an opulent State." " Our only 
resource is your decision ; if that is unfavorable we are reduced to 
desperation. Unable to purchase the soil, we must leave our posses- 
sions and be thrown into the wide world, our children crying for 
bread." And again: They pray for an act "of oblivion and indem- 
nity," as if they had been robbers, instead of being upright, hardy 
settlers, on property they honestly believed to be their own. Cer- 
tainly if an understanding existed between the Agents of Pennsyl- 
vania and Connecticut, that, not only jurisdiction should be given up, 
but the Wyoming people abandoned to the mercy of the landholders ; 
a course of proceeding could not have been adopted, and especially 
a petition framed to be signed by the settlers, more completely cal- 
culated to effect the dishonorable sacrifice. Bearing in mind, that in 
every other controversy, in this and in every other State, where 
lands were settled under claims from different States, the actual set- 
tlers were quieted in their possessions, it would seem that this bene- 
volent principle, if not measure of justice, should have been unhesi- 
tatingly eXjtended to the Wyoming people. 

A paper, before adverted to, bearing on this point, is too import- 
ant not to be noticed in this connexion : namely, the Letter of the 
Court, at Trenton, to the President and Executive Council of Penn- 
sylvania. It will doubtless be regarded as extraordinary, that, for 
twelve years, this paper remained in the Secretary's Office, unno- 
ticed and unknown beyond its walls. How much weight it was 
imagined the settlers would have derived from the letter, is attested 
by the scrupulous care with which its contents were concealed. In 



316 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

1795, thirteen years afterwards, in the trial of Vanhorne vs. Dor- 
rance, it was discovered and made public. 

« Trenton, 31st Dec. 1782. 
" Sir — We take the liberty to address your Excellency, as private 
citizens, lately honored with a commission to hear and determine the 
controversy between the States of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, 
relative to a dispute of territory. In the course of executing this 
commission, we have found that many persons are, or lately have 
been, settled on the land in question. Their individual claims could 
in no instance come before us, not being in the line of our appoint- 
ment. We beg leave to declare to your Excellency, that we think 
the situation of these people well deserves the notice of government. 
The dispute has long subsisted. It may have produced heats and 
animosities among those living in or near the country in contest, and 
some imprudencies may take place, and draw after them the most 
unfavorable consequences. With all deference therefore, we would 
suggest to your Excellency and Council, whether it would not be 
best to adopt some reasonable measures to prevent any, the least dis- 
order or misunderstanding among them, and to continue things in 
the present peaceable posture, until proper steps can be taken to 
decide the controversy respecting the private right of soil, in the 
mode prescribed by the Confederation. We doubt not an early 
proclamation from the Executive of Pennsylvania, would have all 
necessary good effect ; and we feel ourselves happy in the fullest 
confidence that every means will be adopted, or acquiesed in by the 
State, to render the settlement of this dispute complete and satisfac- 
tory, as far as may be, to all concerned. 

" We have the honour to be with great respect, 

" Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servants, 

Wm. Whipple, 
Welcome Arnold, 
W. C. Housxpjf, 
His Excellency David Brearly, 

President Dickinson." Cyrus Griffin. 

The explicit declaration that " their individual claims could in no 
instance come before us, not being in the line of our appointment ;'' 
The suggestion that the settlers be permitted to remain in undis- 
turbed possession, " until proper steps can be taken to decide the 
controversy respecting the private right of soil, in the mode pre- 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 317 

scribed by the confederation," evinces a lively sense of justice and 
humanity, and shovi^s that the court, who, in the investigation, must 
have as thoroughly understood the parties' claims to the soil, as that 
of the States to jurisdiction, did not doubt the perfect right of the 
settlers at least to a trial. 

Acting on the petition of the settlers, the Assembly declared that 
the persons now settled at Wyoming, yielding obedience to the 
laws, are undoubtedly entitled, in common with other citizens of 
this State, to protection, and the benefits of civil government. 

" Therefore Resolved, That commissioners be appointed to make 
full inquiries into the cases respectively, and report to the House. 

" That in order to make the inquiry effectual, the committee have 
authority to send for persons, papers and records. 

" That they be instructed to confer with all or any of the claim- 
ants under Pennsylvania, of any land now in the possession of, or 
claimed under the State of Connecticut, by persons now being actual 
settlers, as well as with the said settlers, or any of them, and to en- 
deavour as much as possible, by reasonable and friendly compromises 
between the parties claiming ; and where this cannot be done, to 
consider of and report such plans of accommodation as may be most 
advisable for accomplishing an equitable and final adjustment of all 
difficulties. 

" That as soon as may be, after the commissioners shall report, 
an act be passed providing fully for the cases of the inhabitants of 
the said country ; more especially for the extending to them of the 
advantages of civil government, for authorizing and directing the 
choice of Justices of the Peace ; for appointing places for holding 
their annual elections ; for giving time for entering their slaves, if 
any, according to the spirit of the act for the gradual abolition of 
slavery ; for consigning to oblivion all tumults and breaches of the 
peace, by whatsoever name they may be called, which have arisen 
out of the controversy between the colony, or State of Connecticut, 
and the said settlers on the one part, and the Province or State of 
Pennsylvania, and the inhabitants thereof, or any of them, on the 
other part ; and for such other purposes as circumstances shall ap- 
pear to require. 

" That an act be immediately passed for staying proceedings at 
law, during said inquiry, against the settlers, for dispossessing them 
by writ of ejectment or otherwise, until this House shall decide upon 
the report, so to be made by the said commissioners. 

" And as the guard of continental troops which has been stationed 
at Wyoming, is about to be withdrawn, it is necessary for the pro- 



318 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

tection of the said settlement against the savages, to replace the 
guard immediately with the two companies of Rangers commanded 
by Captains Robinson and Shrawder." 

In accordance with these resolves, an act was forthwith passed to 
stay the prosecution of suits against the settlers; and on the 25th of 
February, commissioners were appointed, consisting of Joseph Mont- 
gomery, William Montgomery, and Moses M'Clean. 

Notwithstanding the recall of the continental guard, and the 
doubtful measure of sending Robinson and Shrawder's cotrpanies to 
Wilkesbarre, the proceedings were received at Wyoming by many 
with no little satisfaction; by the sanguine with joy; by a few with 
misgivings and distrust: for the two military companies, as the war 
with Great Britain was regarded at an end, and the danger of Indian 
incursions no longer existed, awakened the jealousy of the more sa- 
gacious old men, who remembered the invasion of Plunket, and who 
saw, or thought they saw, in this array, not protectors, but agents 
of a hostile interest experience had shown them they had great rea- 
son to dread. But the highly respectable names of the Montgomery's 
were pledges of honour and fairness, that on the whole inspired 
confidence, and hope of an honorable adjustment. 

Prompt to obey orders, Robinson and Shrawder, with their re- 
spective companies, marched immediately to Wyoming, and took 
possession of the fort, which they named " Fort Dickinson," in honour 
of the President of the Supreme Executive Council. 

On the 15th of April, the commisioners arrived at Wilkesbarre, 
where they were met, and welcomed by a committee of the settlers. 
It was a moment of intense, of painful anxiety. Negotiations were 
immediately opened by a letter from the committee. It is deemed 
proper to publish the whole correspondence, as necessary to a perfect 
understanding of the matter, and more especially as it was the pre- 
lude to re-opening the civil, or " Pennymite and Yankee war," which 
the revolutionary conflict had suspended. 

" To the commissioners appointed by the Honorable Legislature 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to inquire into the circum- 
stances of the Wyoming inhabitants of said State. 

" Gentlemen, — We are happy to find that the Legislative body of 
the State, have condescended to treat our late petition lying before 
them, with that coolness and candour, as to appoint commissioners to 
come and make full inquiry into our cases, and make report to the 
House. And as we shall think it our duty, straitly, strictly and 
truly, to adhere to our petition, and shall think ourselves happy to 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 319 

give every true information to any inquiries that shall be thought 
necessary further to be made respecting our settlements, etc. 

April 19th, 1783. John Jenkins, -^ 

Nathan Denison, / ^ • „ 
The Hon. Commissioners. Obadiah Gore, ^ 

Samuel Shepherd, 3 

Letter from the Pennsylvania Commissioners to the Committee of 
Settlers : — 

" Gentlemen, — As it is our duty, so we will with pleasure pay 
attention to every piece of necessary information with respect to your 
settlements at this place. 

Although it cannot be supposed that Pennsylvania will, nor can 
she consistent with her constitution by any ex-post facto law, deprive 
her citizens of any part of their property legally obtained ; yet, will- 
ing to do every thing in her power to promote the peace and happi- 
ness of her citizens, wishes to be informed fully of your case, that if 
your peaceable demeanour and ready submission to Government 
render you the proper objects of clemency and generosity, she may 
be prepared to extend it to you. 

Therefore we wish you to communicate to us as speedily as pos- 
sible, the names and numbers of those who first settled at Wyoming, 
who are now alive, and by whom those that are dead are repre- 
sented. 

The names and number of those now actual settlers here, the 
quantity of land they respectively occupy, and time they last came 
and settled at this place. 

Signed in behalf of the Commissioners, 
By your humble servant, 

Joseph Montgomery, Chairman.'* 
John Jenkins, '\ 

Nathan Denison, f Committee:' 
Ubadiah Gore, t 
Samuel Shepherd, J 

Wyoming, April 19th, 1783. 

The distinct declaration, " It cannot be supposed that Pennsyl- 
vania will, nor can she consistent with her constitution, by any ex- 
post facto law, deprive her citizens of any portion of their property 
legally obtained, etc.," was perfectly comprehended. Expulsion, the 
entire abandonment of their possessions was understood as prelimi- 



320 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

nary, and indispensable to any adjustment. The cold sarcasm of 
Jenkins in reply, as well as in a subsequent letter, will not fail to 
arrest attention. 

Reply to the Commissioners, from the Committee of Settlers : — 

" Gentlemen, — It is with pleasure we observe in yours of the 19th, 
your readiness to attend to every piece of necessary information we 
shall be able to give in respect to our settlement in this place. How 
far the State can or will, by virtue of any ex-post facto law, under- 
take to deprive any of the citizens of this State of any part of 
their property legally obtained by any of the claimants under their 
different claims, we shall not undertake to say or determine, as we 
suppose, that in general. Common law is to determine in such cases. 
Yet we are happy to hear that this State is willing to do every 
thing in their power to promote the peace and happiness of her 
citizens. 

" We take notice that if our peaceable demeanor and ready sub- 
mission to Government, render us proper objects of clemency and 
generosity, we may probably expect to be made the happy partakers 
of such generous gratuities, as they in their abundant goodness shall 
be pleased to bestow ; whilst our necessitous circumstances oblige 
us to wait the happy period, and if received will no doubt deserve 
our sincere and hearty thanks. As to our peaceable demeanor, and 
ready submission to Government, our petition now before the Honor- 
able the Legislature of this State, suggests to them, that we are 
under their jurisdiction and protection, from which we have no 
disposition to recede. However, would request to have a tender re- 
gard paid to the new and extraordinary circumstances in which we 
stand with regard to law matters. We have made continuance of 
our actions commenced, with a view to have them taken up under the 
jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, agreeable to our aforesaid petition, and 
have neglected to pay any attention to the appointment of represen- 
tatives or government officers, under the Connecticut jurisdiction, 
which facts evidence our intentions better than protestations. 

*' With regard to the next requisition, the calamities of war have 
so put it out of our power to give you that concise account we could 
wish at present, as most of our papers and records were thereby de- 
stroyed. But the Susquehanna purchase was made in the year 1754, 
at the treaty at Albany, as set forth in their petition, by upwards of 
fourteen hundred adventurers, who were joint tenants in common, 
one with another ; and in 1755, said proprietors proceeded to locate 



HISTORY OP WYOMING, 321 

and survey the Susquehanna river, taking the latitude, etc. That in 
the year 1762, one hundred and nineteen of the aforesaid proprietors 
were here to possess themselves of the said lands in behalf of them- 
selves and fellows, of which number John Jenkins, William Buck, etc., 
are contained in a list herewith exhibited, marked No. 1. In Octo- 
ber, 1763, we were dispossessed by the savages with the loss of many 
lives, and much property. In the beginning of the year 1769, we 
again resumed our possessions and improvements, which we had 
made before with great labour and expense, with the number of about 
four hundred, being partly of the aforesaid one hundred and nine- 
teen, or their representatives, whose names, according to our best re- 
collection, are herewith annexed, and marked No. 2. A line being in 
the meantime settled with the natives, we proceeded to lay out our 
lands agreeable to our former surveys, into a large number of towns, 
up and down the river Susquehanna, nearly across the whole lati- 
tude of forty-two, of five miles square, and proceeded to part them 
out to the inhabitants, according to the number of inhabitants each 
town or district was to contain ; in lots of between three and four 
hundred acres to a man, since which, said lands have been divided 
and subdivided, according to the agreement of the settlers of each 
town or district, a particular detail of which we are not able to give, 
without having recourse to our records and papers, which we are at 
present deprived of, and from that until the year 1776, our numbers 
were increasing, at which time we were required by the State to 
number the inhabitants of this place, which, according to our best 
recollection, amounted to upwards of six thousand souls, so that at 
the time Independence was declared, we had got to be very numerous, 
and were still increasing until the fatal third day of July, 1778, when 
great numbers of our friends and most valuable inhabitants were 
slain by the savages and those of a more savage nature, and their 
whole country laid waste, our houses and buildings consumed by 
fire, our household goods and large stock of cattle, horses, sheep and 
hogs, with our farming and other utensils, destroyed and carried oft' 
by the enemy, and we in a most savage and inhuman manner drove 
out into the country, in a state of desperation and distress. A scene 
which must astonish all human nature to describe, and we are not 
able to paint it. Our old men, women, widows and children, 
were dispersed into all parts of the country, destitute of bread, 
clothing, or any thing to subsist on. But a large number of the yet 
remaining and living inhabitants being fired with a fervent zeal for 
the cause of their country, were determined, instead of throwing them- 



S22 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

selves on the clemency of their friends and fellow-citizens of the 
world, to surmount all danger, collected themselves together, and on 
or about the fourth day of August then next, resolved with the 
assistance of the company of brave continental troops raised here, 
and then commanded by Captain Simon Spalding, came into this 
place, retook the country, drove off the savages, regained some trifling 
part of our effects and the possession of our lands, being our all ; 
since which we have, by many hard and hazardous skirmishes, at- 
tended with the loss of many lives, and a considerable of the effects 
acquired by our industry, held the same to this time, which has 
afforded great comfort to the widow and fatherless children, the des- 
titute and naked, not only to those at present improving here, but 
by the people who improve here paying rent for the lands that be- 
long to the widow and fatherless, that are dispersed into the wide 
world, they are greatly relieved and comforted. The most, or all of 
this has been done at our expense and charge, and been a safeguard 
to the frontiers of our good neighbours and friends, with whom wq 
wish to live in peace, 

April 20, 1783, Signed in behalf of the Committee, 

John Jenkins, Chairman. 

Joseph Montgojieuy, Chairman. 

N. B. We herewith transmit a list of the names of part of the 
first settlers in 1762 and 63, as far as we can at present recollect. 
Also a list of the widows and orphans." 

Letter from the State Commissioners to the Committee of Settlers. 

" Genti^emen, — We herewith transmit you a copy of an address of 
the committee representing the landholders under this State, handed 
to us this morning, containing terms on which they declare them- 
selves willing to compromise the dispute now unhappily subsisting 
between you and them, and which it is our duty to endeavour to 
have adjusted, and settled in an amicable manner. 

" Therefore, we wish you, with all calmness and despatch, to con- 
sider of, and duly weigh the said proposals, and to furnish us with a 
clear and explicit answer to the same, which will enable us to 
transact the business committed to us by the General Assembly, 
with more precision, and to take such measures as may effectually 
answer the ends of our mission. We have only further to add, that 
should we be so happy as to find that these terms are agreed to, and 
ratified by the contending parties, we shall think it our duty to 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 323 

recommend your distressed situation to the notice of the Legislature 
of this State. 

" We have the honour to be, Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient and humble servants. 

Joseph Montgomery, Chairman. 
The Committee representing the Settlers. 
Wyoming, April 22nd, 1783." 

There would seem to be no question but the terms proposed met 
the entire approbation of the Commissioners. 

" Address from the Committee of Pennsylvania Landholders, to 
the State Commissioners with their proposals of compromise. 

" Gentlemen, — The committee are honored with your answer to 
their address. The assurance you are pleased to give them of atten- 
tion to the rights of the citizens of this State calls for their grateful 
acknowledgments, and so perfectly harmonizes with the sentiments 
of the committee, that we are instructed to commit ourselves wholly 
to your direction in future, and in doing this we are confident that 
our rights are in the hands of those who will have a watchful eye 
over them. 

We are sorry to observe so much of the old leaven remaining in 
the sentiments of the people of Connecticut, and expressed in their 
last conference before your honours. Their humanity would, it 
seems, permit us and our associates to go any where over the wide 
world, no matter where, provided they may enjoy our lands ; they 
cannot conveniently spare us one foot for the support of our families. 
We think this an ungrateful return to the good people of the State, 
and far short of the expectations of the Legislature, whose humanity 
and pity alone proposed to consign to oblivion all past offences, by a 
law for that purpose, and where wisdom pointed out the only way 
of information to the House of Assembly, of the real disposition of 
the contending parties. 

" We beg leave only to suggest to your honours that we have rea- 
son to think the obedience to laws of this State by many of those 
people, will not be durable, unless such pledges are taken by your 
honours, as cannot admit of any evasion or denial hereafter. If that 
assurance be once given, and the pretended claims under Connecti- 
cut relinquished in writing, publicly, plainly, and unequivocally, we 
wish afterwards to give them every indulgence that your honours 
may judge generous in us, and worthy the approbation of the Assem- 
bly of Pennsylvania, and all the world. 



324 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

" We propose to give leases with covenants of warranty for hold- 
ing their possessions one year from the first day of April inst.; at the 
end of which they shall deliver up full possession of the whole, they 
shall have liberty to occupy half the lands, one half the meadows ; 
dwell in the houses they now possess, and cultivate their present 
gardens, and if they have any opportunities of disposing of their 
hutts, barns, or other buildings, they shall have liberty to do it, and 
to remove them off at any time between the present day and the 
first day of April next, 1784, and the other moiety or half of the 
cleared lands and meadows to be possessed by us and our associates, 
and no impediment to have in our way to enjoy them. The Rev. 
Mr. Johnson to have the full use of all the grounds he formerly held, 
for two years, ending the first of April, 1785. The widows of all 
those whose husbands were killed by the savages, to have a further 
indulgence of a year after the first of April, 1784, for half their 
possessions, and a square in the town to be set apart for their use, 
to which they may remove their houses, and at the end of the term, 
sell them to the best advantage for their own use. 

"We think a refusal of these terms hardly possible; But if stub- 
bornness and disaffection to the laws of this State, are yet to con- 
tinue, we trust your honours will be convinced that on our parts we 
have not in view merely our ov/n private interests, but that our 
ofifers will appear just and equitable before God and men. 
With every sentiment of respect. 

Sir, your most obedient and humble servant, 

Alexander Patterson, Chairman. 

Wyoming, April 22nd, 1783. 

Signed in behalf of the Committee. 

To the honourable Joseph Montgomery, Chairman of the Board of 
Commissioners." 

A true Copy. Attested, — Moses McClain, CZer/c" 

The conditions of compromise then, offered the Wyoming people, 
were these :— 

1st. Pledges to be given, such as could not admit of denial or 
evasion, for their obedience. 

2d. A disclaimer in writing, publicly, plainly, and unequivocally 
given, of all claims to their lands held under title from Connecticut. 
Then follow the merciful terms. 

3d. The settler to take a lease of half his farm for about eleven 
months, giving up possession at once of the other half. On the first 
of April following to abandon claims, home, possession, to his adver- 
sary. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 325 

4th. The widows of those who had fallen by the Savages, to be 
indulged in half their possessions a year longer. 

And 5th. The Rev. Mr. Johnson to be allowed to occupy his 
grounds (under disclaimer and lease, of course,) for two years. 

It will be obvious to every reader that instead of being terms of 
conciliation and compromise, they bear the impress of an imperious 
master, conscious of his power, dictating to revolted slaves, broken, 
hated and despised. That the Montgomerys should ever have lent 
their respected names to proposals, so fraught with injustice and 
contumely, appears at this day incredible. Those gentlemen were 
superior to the least suspicion of corruption ; but their minds were 
probably too deeply imbued with prejudice against the Connecticut 
claim and claimants, to leave room for the exercise of their natu- 
rally just judgments, and more generous and elevated sentiments. 

*' If the terms should be agreed to and satisfied," say the Commis- 
sioners most graciously, " we shall think it our duty to recommend 
your distressed situation to the notice of the Legislature !" 

The address from the Committee of Landholders brought a new 
personage into the discussion, but an old acquaintance of the set- 
tlers, Alexander Patterson, Esq. As this gentleman acted a very 
prominent part in the events which ensued, it seems fitting that he 
should be more particularly introduced to the reader. In a petition 
presented by him to the Legislature, in 1803, asking remuneration 
for his faithful services he set forth, 

" In the year 1769, he was solicited by the late proprietary, John 
Penn and Chief Justice Allen, to take an active part against the 
Connecticut intruders, who were pursuing an unbounded claim," etc. 
" In the month of February, same year, he proceeded with John 
Jennings, Sheriff of Northampton, and others, and brought to Easton 
gaol, the first forty of the intruders, who had attempted to seat them- 
selves at Wyoming." " The ensuing Fall, there came upwards of 
two hundred intruders ; they attempted, to dispossess the Pennsyl- 
vania settlers with axes, scythes and clubs. Your Petitioner was in 
the front of the opposition, and was severely wounded in the head 
with an axe. Notwithstanding the loss of much blood, he that 
evening set off for Fort Augusta (Sunbury,) in a batteau, and brought 
up a cannon,* etc. The next year the intruders " drove the Penn- 
sylvania settlers into the garrison, wherein was your Petitioner, with 
many women and children, Mdiere they were beseiged nearly seven 

* " The terrible four-pounder.'' 



326 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

weeks, and were obliged to capitulate through famine, to Butler," etc. 
" The September following, your petitioner was among the most ac- 
tive who again took their garrison, with much enterprise." Prison- 
ers who escaped, " with others, accompanied those bravos to Wyo- 
ming, where by palpable perjury they instantly joined their associ- 
ate ruffians" — " He has gone with his associates through the wilder- 
ness at night ; taken particular captive offenders ; abated the ma- 
rauders' settlement; and expelled the despicable herd." 

If such v/as the strain in which Mr. Patterson spoke of the settlers, 
a quarter of a century after the conflict, well may be imagined the 
spirit of hatred and revenge that rankled in his breast while the 
events were recent. Yet this gentleman was chosen as the fitting 
dove to bear the olive of peace, and be the messenger of conciliation. 

Supported by the two companies of Robinson and Shrawder's 
Rangers, confident of his strength, and exulting in his power ; de- 
termined to " feed fat the ancient grudge he bore them," Patterson 
had gathered around him Capt. Dick and a number of his former 
companions in arms, to witness his triumph, and share in the utter 
humiliation of his Yankee foes. But "there is a Divinity that shapes 
our ends," and the conclusion was not so near as anticipated. We 
publish : — 6th. Letter from the Committee of Settlers, in reply to 
the offered proposals of Compromise. 

" Gentlemen, — We duly received yours of the 22nd instant, en- 
closing the address, and proposals of the landholders of this State by 
their committee; and although we must confess that their elegant 
manner of address is far beyond us, yet we hope our plain country 
way of communicating our ideas will be forgiven. But we cannot 
help taking notice that in their address they complain, of a proposal 
that was made by us before your honours, being very ungrateful, 
which to the best of our remembrance was that it had been intimated 
by some that it vi^as probable this State would out of courtesy bestow 
something in the land way on the settlers, and claimants of the lands 
here under Connecticut; they were only asked, that if that was grant- 
ed out of courtesy, whether they would not exchange and suffer us 
to enjoy our peaceable possessions here, by way of compromise? 
Their answer was, that they were as able to apply for lands as we. 
We are extremely sorry to entertain the idea that in a compromise, 
we, or they, instead of looking at the designed, and desired object, 
be forming mountains out of mole hills. We do not think the 
lawful defence of what we esteem to be our own, can with any jus- 
tice be termed a disaffection to Government. We would add, the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 327 

petition we laid before the Legislative body of this State, we were 
in hopes would be considered of as we find it is, and if that is 
granted, or any other satisfactory measures can be come into by 
way of compromise, as we would first take all lenitive measures, 
and if nothing is effected by this method of treating, we must have 
recourse to the ninth article of Confederation, as that is the only 
mode pointed out for the trial of these lands claimed under grants 
of different States. As we conceive that the proposals of the com- 
mittee, in which they offer as a compromise, will not tend to peace, 
as they are so far from what we deem reasonable, we cannot com- 
ply with them without doing the greatest injustice to ourselves and 
our associates, to widows, and fatherless children. And although 
we mean to pay due obedience to the constitutional laws of Penn- 
sylvania, we do not mean to become abject slaves, as the Commit- 
tee of Landholders suggest in their address to your honors. 

Signed in behalf of the Committee of Settlers. 

John Jenkins, Chairman. 

Wyoming, April 22, 1783. 

To the honorable Joseph Montgomery, Chairman of the Board of 
Commissioners. 

The last letter was an address from the State Commissioners, to 
the Committee of Settlers. 

Gentlemen, — 'We are now possessed of your ansv/er to the pro- 
posals of the Committee of Landholders under Pennsylvania. 

We are sorry that there does not appear any prospect of accom- 
modation between you. Therefore we must beg the favour of you, 
to notify your people to meet with us to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock, 
when we shall take the liberty to lay the whole proceedings before 
them, and take our leave of them, and you. 

We shall be glad to have a friendly interview with you this after- 
noon at 4 o'clock, and that you will bring with you the returns. 
We have the honour to be. Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient and humble servants. 
Signed in behalf of the Commissioners, by 

Joseph Montgomery. 
Wyoming, April 23, 1783. 
The Committee representing the Settlers from Connecticut." 



328 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

And here terminated ihe correspondence ; but not the action of 
the commissioners. Forthwith they divided Wyoming into three 
townships, naming the two new ones Stoke and Shawanese. Jus- 
tices of the Peace for the county of Northumberland were immedi- 
ately chosen by Mr. Patterson, and his New Jersey and Northamp- 
ton friends, who had accompanied him to Wyoming; David Mead, 
Robert Martin, John Chambers, and Nathan Denison, for the north- 
western district: Alexander Patterson, John Seely, Luke Brodhead, 
and Henry Shoemaker, for the southeastern. The inhabitants were 
equally unconscious of the division of the townships, and of the elec- 
tion of Magistrates, Col. Denison's name being used without his 
knowledge. None of the others were, or had been for years, inhabi- 
tants of Westmoreland. David Mead, formerly an active Connecti- 
cut partizan, and the surveyor of Wilkesbarre township, had resided 
during the war at Northumberland. This gentleman is again es- 
pecially noticed, as he will appear a conspicuous actor on a subse- 
quent page. No proceeding could possibly have been more illegal, 
arbitrary, and unjust. 

Having been nine days at Wyoming, the commissioners withdrew 
on the 24th of April, to make their report to the Assembly, which 
was to convene early in August. Their report recommended that 
a reasonable compensation in land [in the vv^estern part of the State] 
should be made to the families of those who had fallen in arms against 
the common enemy, and to such other settlers as had a proper Con- 
necticut title, and " did actually reside on the lands at the time of 
the decree at Trenton, provided they immediately relinquish all 
claim to the soil where they now inhabit, and enter into contracts to 
deliver up full and quiet possession of their present tenures, to the 
rightful owners under Pennsylvania, by the first of April next." 

Waiting the reception of the commissioners, uncertain whether 
the course pursued would be disallowed or confirmed, Justice Patter- 
son and his troops, although indulging in every species of petty insult 
and contumely, seemingly intended to drive the settlers to violations 
of law and order, yet restrained themselves from overt acts of cruel- 
ty, and flagrant instances of oppression. 

Eventual and preliminary articles of peace having been signed 
with Great Britain the 30th of the preceding November, on ihe 
11th of May all Wyoming, echoing with shouts, and congratulations, 
indulged in feasting and merry-making, it being a day set apart for 
rejoicings at that happy event. Sorrow forgot her woes; care as- 
sumed the gay laugh of mirth ; and even the melancholy mother. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 329 

beholding in her bloonning boy, growing into manhood, a freeman, 
whose liberty had been sealed by his father's blood, shook off the 
tear of fond remembrance, and smiled. 

Benjamin Bidlack returned from the army on the 12th of June ; 
on the 22nd, Lieut. Rosewell Franklin, whose wife was so barbarous- 
ly butchered by the Indians the preceding summer, was married 
to Mrs. Lester, whose husband had also fallen by the hands of the 
Savages ; thus assuaging mutual sorrow in the arms of mutual, and 
honourable endearment. 

With prudent forecast, the settlers, aware of the overwhelming 
power of the State, if vigorously put forth, and sensible of the spirit 
with which, under Patterson's vice-royalty it would be exercised, 
began in earnest to look out for a place of retreat. An association 
was formed to establish a settlement in New York, north of the 
Pennsylvania line. Capt. J. Franklin, sent out on an exploring party, 
was absent from the 1.5th of May to the 7th of June, examining, 
chiefly, the country near Oquago on the east branch of the Susque- 
hanna, and thence north to the Butternuts. Mr. Jenkins actually 
began surveying a tract in the Genesee country, but several Indi- 
ans came to his camp, ostensibly to beg provisions, promising to 
return the value in venison ; their real purpose was evinced by a 
visit in a different character, two nights afterwards. While the 
party was sleeping in perfect unconsciousness of danger, a fire was 
opened into his cabin ; one man killed outright, and three wounded. 
Lieut. Jenkins sprang to his feet, seized his Jacob staff, struck down 
an Indian upon the fire, and killed him. To remain would have 
been certain death, and he withdrew with his wounded men. 
Whether the attack was made for plunder, or what is more prob- 
able, revenge still boiling in the savage breast against Wyoming, or 
as is not unlikely, jealousy of the whites encroaching on their hunt- 
ing grounds, could not be certainly determined.* 

Capt. Spalding and several of his military associates, with Oba- 
diah Gore, Esq., and some others, immediately withdrew from the 
Valley, and made a settlement at Sheshequin, a few miles below 
Tioga point, on the east side of the Susquehanna, and by the river 
seventy miles above Wyoming ; yet in the old town of Westmore- 
land. Two or three Indian families remained there, demeaning 
themselves peaceably for awhile, and then removed to the west. 

* The date of this ti'ansaction in Col. Jenkins' journal is set down as 1783. The impru- 
dence, not to say rashness, of %'enturing to survey on the Indian lands so soon after the war, 
and some other circuuisSances, would lead us to give to it a posterior date. 



330 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

In May, 1783, when Capt. Spalding arrived on the ground, the Indi- 
an grass on the flats was so tall as to reach to a man's shoulders 
when on horseback. To this his people set fire : the raging flames 
ascending to the heavens — sweeping — coursing — whirling along the 
plain for several miles, was long dwelt on by the inhabitants as a 
scene, exceeding any thing they had ever witnessed, or imagined 
of sublimity and grandeur. 

With more than even hoped for promptitude of approbation, 
the Assembly, at their August session, received the report of the 
commissioners, and confirmed all that had been done, or was re- 
commended. 

The division of Wyoming into three towns was approved, and 
made legal, as was the election of magistrates. A law was forth- 
with passed to repeal " An act to prevent and stay suits from being 
brought against the inhabitants of Wyoming," which had not yet 
been six months on the statute book. The terms proposed to the 
inhabitants were recognized as " generous offers," and the commis- 
sioners were complimented by a flattering eulogium for the " laudable 
zeal and industry" displayed by them* in the execution of their 
mission. 

After the conclusion of peace, the company of Capt. Robinson had 
been withdrawn from the Valley, leaving that of Capt. Shrawder, 
the intimate friend of Alexander Patterson, to afford such protection 
as was intended to be granted to the inhabitants. In view of ulterior 
measures, shadowed forth by the proceedings of Assembly, a resolu- 
tion was adopted, September 22, 1783, " That the Supreme Execu- 
tive Council are hereby empowered, and required to take into the 
service of this State, one major, two captains, four subalterns of the 
officers of the Pennsylvania line, who are forthwith to be instructed 
to enlist two full companies of the soldiers who have served in 
the Pennsylvania line, to serve such time as to the Supreme 
Executive Council, or the succeeding Assembly shall seem meet, etc." 
This resolution was passed with closed doors, in secret session, and 
recorded on the secret journals of the House ; and was regarded 
when known, as a direct infraction of the articles of confederation. 
Major James Moore was appointed to the supreme command. Capt. 
Shrawder re-enlisted his company, while Capt. Christie enlisted a 
company near Philadelphia, and repaired immediately to Wyoming. 

* It may excite a smile when known, that the committee who thus laud, anil the commis- 
sioners praised, consisted in partof tlie same persons. Messrs. Joseph Montgonicr}^, William 
Montgomery, and Mr. M'Clean, being members of both. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 331 

Capt. Patterson having received his commission as magistrate, re- 
turned from the city, where he, the sole and prime agent, had been 
to superintend, to advise and direct all these movements, preparatory 
to the decisive measures so manifestly contemplated. Brave un- 
doubtedly he was, full of enterprise, overflowing with zeal, he took 
up his quarters at Wilkesbarre, near the fort, changing the name of 
the place to Londonderry, from which, in his communications, he 
dated.* And fully armed with legal and illegal power, forthwith 
commenced its exercise. 

Col. Zebulon Butler, (by whom Patterson had in 1770 been starved 
out and made a prisoner,) returned from the army with his lady, 
(having married Miss Phoebe Haight at West Point, the previous 
winter,) arriving at Wilkesbarre on the 20th of August. How wel- 
come was his presence to friend or foe, may be easily imagined. The 
licentious soldiery, freed from the restraints of discipline, w4iich the 
presence of an enemy tends to enforce, and encouraged by the civil 
authority, became extremely rude and oppressive. They took with- 
out leave, whatever they fancied. Several persons had been arrested 
and brought before Captain Shrawder. Col. Butler, indignant at the 
treatment the inhabitants suffered, expressed his opinions freely, and 
for himself, said he was going to camp, was still a continental offi- 
cer, and swore his soldier's oath, ^^ set fire to 'em," they shall not stop 
me. It was enough. A writ v»?as issued, and Col. Butler arrested 
on the 24th of September, as it was said, for high treason. Surround- 
ed by a guard of soldiers, he was conveyed to the fort, and treated 
with great indignity. The next day under a military guard, the 
gallant veteran was sent by Esquire Patterson to Sunbury, a distance 
of sixty miles. When delivered at the jail, lo ! there was no mittimus, 
and Sheriff Antis said he could not legally detain him. But that day 
two of the new Wyoming justices having taken the oath of office 
at Northumberland, made out a mittimus, directing Sheriff Antis to 
hold the prisoner in custody, until more accurate documents could 
be procured from Justice Patterson. Very soon after, satisfactory 
bail being offered, Sheriff Antis set Col. Butler at liberty, and he re- 
turned to his family.f 



* We cannot help adverting to the gallant OgJen. Where was he ? What was his 
fiite 1 His name does not appear that we have been able to learn, during the war. Death 
alone could have subdued so noble a spirit. 

t Thus the patriot soldier, wlio had served with reputation through the war, had periled 
his life again and again for Wyoming, in one short month from his arrival at his home, was 
seized, and without law cast into prison as a felon ! Indignation must have been lost in 



332 HISTORY OFWYOMING. 

On the 1st of October, Capt. Franklin was arrested on a charge 
of trespass, for proceeding to farm his land, and brought before 
Justice Patterson. Mr. F. plead title, and desired that a fair trial 
by court and jury might decide the matter. Such course not accord- 
ing with his policy, he was dismissed by the justice. 

Capt. Christie arrived with his company on the 29th of October, 
and forthwith the two companies of soldiers were quartered upon the 
inhabitants, in some instances where special oppression was me- 
ditated, eight and ten were placed with one family. Col. Butler was 
particularly distinguished by having twenty billeted upon him, the 
more distressingly unwelcome, as Mrs. Butler was then recently con- 
fined. We cannot refrain from adding that the daughter then born, 
has been for thirty years, and is now moving in the first circles of 
New York, respected and beloved, the lady of one of the most emi- 
nent legal gentlemen of that city, (1845.) The house being small, 
hastily erected after the conflagi-ation of the Savages, the people 
poor, and the soldiers insolent, their sufferings were exceedingly 
severe, too great for human nature patiently to endure. But seeing 
it was the purpose to drive them to some act of desperation, the injury 
and insults were borne with forbearance and fortitude. 

His strength being now equal to any probable emergency, Justice 
Patterson proceeded to adopt measures of greater energy. October 
31, the settlement of Shawney was invaded by the military, head- 
ed by the Justice in person, and eleven respectable citizens arrested, 
and sent under guard to the fort. Among the prisoners was' Major 
Prince Alden, sixty-five years old, feeble from age, and suffering 
from disease. Compassion yielded nothing to alleviate his sufferings. 
Capt. James Bidlack was also arrested. He was between sixty and 
seventy. His son of the same name had fallen, as previously re- 
corded, at the head of his company in the Indian battle; another son, 
Benjamin, had served in the army through the revolutionary war. 
Mr. B. himself had been taken by the Savages, and suffered a tedious 
captivity in Canada. All this availed him nothing. Benjamin 
Harvey, who had been a prisoner to the Indians was also arrested. 
Samuel Ransom, son of Capt. Ransom, who fell in the massacre, was 
most rudely treated on being taken. " Ah ha !" cried Patterson, 
" you are the jocky we wanted ; away with him to the guard-house, 
with old Harvey, another damned rascal." Eleven in all were 

amazement at the audacious deed. Added to the iniquity of the illegal arrest, was an at- 
tempt, amply proved, to compel Hardinij, a witness, to give a llilse deposition against Col. 
Butler. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 333 

taken, and driven to the fort, where they were confined in a room 
with a mud floor, wet and comfortless, with no food and little fire, 
which, as they were sitting round, Capt. Christie came in, ordered 
them to lie down on the ground, and bade the guard to blow out the 
brains of any one who should attempt to rise. Even the staff of 
the aged Mr. Alden was taken from him. On demanding what was 
their offence, and if it was intended to starve them, Patterson taunt- 
ingly replied: "Perhaps in two or three months we shall be at 
leisure, and you may be set at liberty." At the intercession of 
D. Meade, Esq., three of the elder prisoners the next day were libe- 
rated, the remaining eight being kept in their loathsome prison, some 
a week, others ten days, and then dismissed without arraignment or 
trial. But the object had been accomplished ; their several families 
had been turned out of their houses, and creatures of Patterson put 
in possession. Oppression will drive a wise man mad ; but the people 
still endured their sufl^erings, being alleviated by the charity of those 
who had been less unfortunate. 

It is scarcely possible to conceive the insolence of manner assumed 
by Justice Patterson. Meeting by accident with Capt. Caleb Bates, 
and learning his name, " Why have you not been to see me, sir ?' 
Capt. Bates answered, he did not know him. " I will recommend 
myself to you, sir — I am Esquire Patterson of Pennsylvania," and 
almost instantly ordered a serjeant to take him to the guard-house. 

The following documents seem necessary to a more perfect understanding of the situation 
of the people, subsequent to the transfer of jurisdiction by the decree of Trenton ; and after 
the recommendation of the Assembly to the landholders and settlers, to make " reasonable 
compromises" under the prefecture of Alexender Patterson. 

RESOLUTION passed 22d September 1783. 
" Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Council, are hereby empowered and required to 
take into the service of this State, one major, two captains, four subalterns of the officers of 
the Pennsylvania line, who are forthwith to be instructed to enlist two full companies of the 
soldiers who have served in the Pennsylvania line, to serve such time as the Supreme Ex- 
ecutive Council, or the succeeding Assembly shall seem meet ; and that one month's pay 
shall be advanced to the said officers and soldiers, who shall be armed and accoutred at the 
expense of the State, the money for which purpose, shall be drawn by order of the Supreme 
Executive Council, out of the money collected by virtue of the impost law of this State, and 
now in the hands of the Naval Officer, or which may hereafter come into his hands by virtue 
of the aforesaid law." 

ADDRESS. 

The Honorable the Representatives of the Commonwealth of the State of Pennsylvania, 
in General Assembly met : — 

The petition, address and remonstrance, of us the subscribers, in behalf of the rest of the 
inhabitants of Wyoming, humbly sheweth: That after the judgment at Trenton, changing 
the jurisdiction from that of Connecticut to that of Pennsylvania, since which "we have con- 



334 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

sidered ourselves as citizens of Pennsylvania, and have at all times by our peaceable de- 
meanor, and ready submission to government, duly submitted ourselves to the laws of the 
State of Pennsylvania, and not only so, but as we were not made duly acquainted with the 
laws of the State, have tamely submitted to every requisition of the executive and military 
authority, althoucrh the same appeared in many instances to us to be unconstitutional and 
unlawful. We beg leave to observe, that nothing special happened until the resolve of the 
Assembly, appointing commissioners, in which we observed that after the report of those 
commissioners so appointed, we were to have a time and place appointed for choosing of 
authority, holding elections, etc. But to our great surprise and grief, it seems that thefe 
was a choice made, as we understand, by those that called themselves landholders, some from 
one part of the State, and some from other parts. Some fronr New Jersey and elsewhere, 
and principally not inhabitants of this county, of a number of persons to be commissioned 
in authority, all without our knowledge, and before the report of the commissioners or the 
a[ipointment of a time or place for that purpose, and a return of those persons was, by some 
way or means to us unknown, made to the Honorable the General Assembly of the State, 
and have since been commissioned, which has produced the following facts, viz : Some time 
in September 1783, Col. Zebulon Butler was met at the ferry boat, by a man that is called 
a constable ; but how he came by his authority, we know not ; however this man. Brink by 
riit'me, seized his horse by the bridle, told him he was his prisoner, took him into the fort, de- 
livered him up to the martial department. He, the said Butler, was kept there twenty-four 
hours under guard, then sent off under a strong guard of soldiers to Northumberland, with 
out either civil officer or writ, and was not made acquainted with any crime for which he 
was taken, he has been taken three times since by different officers under pretences of the 
same crime, and yet knows not what it is, although he got bail far his appearance at court. 
Since this the property of sundry persons has been taken by force under a pretence, and the 
persons that take it, say by the advice of the authority, and upon application to the authority, 
no redress can be had. That persons taken for pretended crimes have been told by the Justices 
that if they would take a lease, they should be set at liberty, and have in fact been obliged to 
comply, or suffer in prison in a guard house. Widows and fatherless children, in a sickly 
condition, turned out of their houses and sick beds, and drove off in a tedious storm, and said 
to be done by advice of the authority, and no redress could be obtained from the authorit}', 
though application was made. Some taken under pretence of some crime, and when con- 
fined, their wives were told if they would submit to their carnal desires, their husband.'s should 
be set at liberty. Some taken by a guard of armed soldiers in presence of the Justices, and 
their wives and families turned out of doors. The possession of a grist mill taken away by 
force, and given to another man, and although frequent application has been made to the 
Justices for redress, none can be had. That eleven persons were taken at Shawney by a 
guard of twenty-five armed men, in company with Esquire Patterson and Seely, under pre- 
tence of some crime, although not any was alleged, neither any writ ever produced, nor yet 
sheriff or constable, and were drove at the point of the bayonet for six miles in a tedious 
storm to the fort. Confined in an open guard-house without any floor, and the mud shoe 
deep, ordered to lie down in the mud, and the sentinel ordered, that if one raised his head 
from the ground to shoot him through. A staff taken from an old gentleman and ordered to 
be burnt. This old gentleman and sundry others, were at the same time sick with a fever, 
yet closely confined for six days in that situation, and then dismissed without ceremony. 
That persons when taken and brought before the Justices, not suffered to speak a word in their 
own defence, or to hear a witness, although requested, and judgment given without ever 
being made acquainted with the cause. That writs are given out for sixpence against children 
fifteen years of age, and that said to be lawful, although it was for one gill of whiskey, and 
parents, guardians, nor masters, never notified. Locks and doors broke, when the families 
were from home, under pretence of quartering soldiers in the house, and public buildings at 
the same time that might have received them. That one of the inhabitants having business 



HISTORY OP WYOMING, 335 

with Capt. Schott, Esquire Patterson being present, asked his name. He informed him, 
and, said " Patterson, I do not know you." " I am Alexander Patterson, Esq., of Pennsyl- 
vania, one of the magistrates of this place, G — d d — n you, I will make you know me;" 
then called a guard of soldiers, took him to the guard-house, confined hira twenty-four hours, 
then dismissed him without ceremony, all which facts we conceive to be done without law 
or right, and merely to distress the poor distressed inhabitants of this place, and is an in- 
fringement on the rights, liberties and privileges, of free citizens of this State. 

Therefore, we as sincere friends to the rights, liberties and privileges of the United 
States and citizens of this State, under our distressed circumstances, gratefully request your 
Honorable body to take our distressed case under your wise and serious consideration, and in 
some way grant relief, as may appear most just and reasonable to your Plonours ; hoping 
that every unconstitutional and unlawful act may be redressed, and removed into oblivion, and 
we your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. 

Wyoming, November 18th, 1783. 

Signed by John Jenkins and a number of otherSj in behalf of themselves and the rest of the 
inhabitants of Wyoming. 

State of Pennsylvania. In General Assembly, Tuesday, December 9th, 1783, A. M. 

The petition from divers inhabitants of Wyoming, in the county of Northumberland, "'as 
read the second lime, whereupon 

Resolved, That the members from Northampton county, or a majority of them, be a com- 
mittee to inquire into the charges contained in a petition from a number of the inhabitants of 
Wyoming, in the county of Northumberland, and report to the House at their next meet- 
ing, and that the said petition, and other papers accompanying it, be put into their hands. 
Extract from the minutes. 

Signed, PETER Z. LLOYD, 

Clerk of General Assembly. 

Philadelphia, December 9ih, 1783, 
In compliance of the above resolution, we, or a majority of us, the committee therein men- 
tioned, will attend on the 29th of December instant, at the house of Capt. Shott, in the 
township of Stoke, (Wilkesbarre) in order to inquire into the charges by you set forth in 
the above petition, of which time and place you are hereby notified, that you be and a[)pear 
before us. when and where we shall be ready to hear your evidence to support the charges 
by you set forth in said petition. 

JACOB ARNDT, 
JACOB STROUD, 
JONAS HARTZEL, 
ROBERT BROWN. 
To Mr. John Jenkins and others, the petitioners, etc. 

A similar note was sent to Alexander Patterson, and to the officers of the garrison ; and 
Robert Martin was also desired to be in attendance, to aid in taking the testimony in the 
;ase. 

A. Patterson to President Dickinson. 

Londonderry, (Wilkesbarre,) December 20th, 1783. 
Sir, — Since Mr. Meade and I wrote you last, the purport of which was informing the 
measures taken to have in confinement that flagrant oflfender Col. Zebulon Butler, who has 
threatened the dissolution of the citizens of this State and its laws. Notwithstanding he 
was committed from under the hands and seals of three Justices of the Peace for treason, he 
has found security, and is sent back to this place to the terror of the good citizens in this 
neighborhood. The Sheriff has not done his duty, nor do I believe he intends it, being a 
party man, among which I am sorry to see so little principles of humanity and honour, men 



336 HISTORY OP WYOMING, 

who wish for popularity at the expense of the property, and perhaps blood of their fellow 
citizens. Strange as it may appear it is absolutely true, that the banditti at Wyoming have 
been solicited for their votes at the election, caressed and patronized in their villainy, encouraged 
in their claims to land, which they now hold in violation of all law, from men who have dis- 
tinguished themselves and taken a very decided part in the late revolution. Sure I am that 
it would be an act of justice not to commissionate Antis — tlie other person on the return I 
do not know, but worse he cannot be. Pardon this freedom. Nothing but a wish for the 
peace of the citizens would have induced me to have said so much upon this head. I have 
wrote the Chief Justice, concerning Butler, and have prevailed upon the bearer, Capt. John 
Dick, to carry those despatches, he will return to this place, and may be depended upon. I 
am very uneasy having heard nothing of Major Moore. I wish he was here. I hope your 
Excellency will think it right to order the troops forward as soon as possible. 
I have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest esteem, 
Your most obedient humble servant, 

ALEXANDER PATTERSON. 
His Excellency John Dickinson. 

REPORT. 

The committee appointed on the petition of divers inhabitants of Wyoming, exhibiting 
complaints against Alexander Patterson, Esq., and stating also other grievances, beg leave to 
report ; That your committee repaired to Wyoming, agreeable to the orders of this House, 
and having given due notice to all parties concerned, proceeded to the investigation of the 
different charges contained in the petition before the House, in the presence as well of the 
persons accused as the persons accusing. And the evidence taken on the inquiry has been 
reduced to writing by a person employed for that purpose by your committee, which deposi- 
tions your committee beg leave to lay before the House. 

This report was endorsed as follows, viz : Read first time, February 3d, 1784, and on 
motion read second time, and referred to Mr. Work, Mr. Miller, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lutz 
and Mr. C .* [Name uncertain.] 

PETITION. 

To the Honorable the Representatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, in General Assembly met : — 

The petition and address of John Jenkins, Nathan Denison, Obadiah Gore, Hugh Fors- 
man and John Franklin, inhabitants of Wyoming, in behalf of themselves and others, in- 
habitants of said place. 

Most respectfully sheweth, That whereas upon a petition and remonstrance from divers 
inhabitants of Wyoming, bearing date November 18th, 1783, complaining of certain illegal 
proceedings had against them by Alexander Patterson, Esq., and others, your Honours of 
your abundant goodness, by a resolution appointed a committee from your Honorable Blouse 
to inquire into the charges contained in said petition. 

That timely notice being given to the said Alexander Patterson, Esq., and others con- 
cerned, as well as to the petitioners, an inquiry was held at Wyoming by your committee 
near ten days. Witnesses called for and fairly heard, and depositions taken, as well on the 
part of those complained of, as on the part of the petitioners. Liberty of questioning the 
witnesses when under examination in support of the petition was granted to the defending 

* Col. Franklin again attended the Legislature, on the part of the inhabitants. He stated to me (says Mr. Ward,) 
that Patterson and those who were concerned with him, had full access to the commiilee, laying before thera pri^■ate 
letters and ex-parte depositions taken after the first committee had left Wyoming— while he was never allowed to 
go before them during the wliole forty -tix days the subject was before the committee. 

Finding this unfair course was likely to prejudice the interests of his constituenis, he prepared and had presented 
the above petition. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 337 

fart}', and a fair and legal hearing of all such witnesses as they see fit to make use of. That 
i-iiice the return of your committee from Wyoming, we understand that sundry private letters 
and a number of ex-parte depositions, taken since the inquiry aforesaid, have been presented 
to your House, reporting or presenting to your Honours, that the inhabitants of Wyoming 
who settled that territory under the Connecticut claim, do not manifest submission to 
the laws and authority of this State, but appear designing against the same, and that there is 
danger of ill consequences proceeding from the opposition of said inhabitants. 

Conscious that no oppositioti from us has been made to the laws and authority aforesaid, 
and that no sucli designs are existing, we humbly conceive that such reports must have origi- 
nated through misinformalion or mistake. 

Wo have the highest esteem for the constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
and are well satisfied with the laws of this State. 

We are under your jurisdiction and protection, are subjects and free citizens of the State 
of Pennsylvania. We have voluntarily taken and subscribed the oaths and affirmations of 
allegiance and fidelity, as directed by a supplement to an act of General Assembly of this 
State. And it is our will and pleasure to serve you in doing our duty as good and faithful 
subjects of this State, in supporting the rights, liberties and privileges of the same. We have 
to look up to your Honours for protection, for justice, equity and liberty, on which we de- 
peml. We have the greatest confidence that upon the examination of the depositions taken 
by your committee in their inquiry at Wyoming, your House will be satisfied that the 
charges contained in the aforesaid petition are fully supported, and that no opposition has 
been made on our part. That by our peaceable demeanor and ready submission to Govern- 
ment, we have duly submitted to every requisition, whether civil or military, and that the 
proceedings had against us, and which we complained of, were unconstitutional and unlaw- 
ful, and that we had the greatest reason to appeal to your Honours for redress. 

Relying on the justice and impartiality of your Honorable House, we are assured that re. 
ports by private letters and ex-parte evidence, will not avail against legal and well grounded 
testimony, either to condemn an innocent peopte, or screen the guilty from justice. 

We humbly request to be protected, and continued quiet and unmolested in our pos- 
sessions, (which is our all) until a legal decision shall be had thereon, with which we are 
ready to comply, and shall quietly resign to any claimant or claimants whose title shall he 
adjudged preferable to ours. We press your Honours to grant us protection and redress, 
and that the liberties and privileges, which subjects and free citizens of this State are entitled 
io, may not be denied to us. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

JOHN FRANKLIN, 
Philadelphia, February 23, 1784, Agent for the inhabitants of Wyoming. 

Read in the House the first time on Monday, the 23d of February, and by motion and 
-special order, taken for a second reading, ordered that it be referred to Mr. Work, Mr. Miller, 
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lutz and Mr. C , (the same committee to whom the former peti- 
tions were referred.) 

REPORT— 19th March, 178-1. 

The committee to whom was referred the report of the committee on the charges con- 
tained in the petition from divers inhabitants of Wyoming, the letter from Alexander Pat- 
terson, Esq., the petitions from the inhabitants of Wyoming, beg leave to report : — 

That after examining the different depositions accompanying the re|)ort of the committee 
on the charges contained in the petition from the inhabitants of Wyoming, they do not 
find that the same contain any matter of complaint, but such as if true, the laws of this State 
are fully sufScient to redress, and that therefore an application to this House was unneccs- 

22 



S38 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

sary and improper. A greater part of the irregularities alleged against Alexander Patter- 
son, Esq., appear to have been done by people in his name, but no orders or warrant appears 
to have been given by him for any such acts. Your committee therefore submit the following 
resolution to the House : 

Resolved, That the petition from divers inhabitants of Wyoming to this House, pre- 
sented the eighth day of December last, be dismissed, and that the parties be referred to 
common law for redress, if any injuries they may have sustained. 



LETTEE XXIII. 



"/SI. Rife in stirring incident — Proceedings of Settlers — Petition to Connecticut — To 

Congress — Committee from Northampton — Pennsylvania Assembly — Deceptive move- 
ment of Patterson — Other influences dawn on the path of the Settlers— Action of Con- 
gress—Ice flood— '-Generous proposition of President Dickinson- — Patterson's inhu=- 
man conducts-Expulsion of inhabitants— Generous feeling aroused throughout Pennsyl- 
vania — Negotiations — Settlers surrender their arms— Resume them — Proclamation — Base 
treachery of Armstrong— Settlers made prisoners, and sent to Snnbury and Easton jails — 
Prisoners released — War Renewed —Swift Wounded — Henderson and Reed shot— Smith 
and Stevens killed— Cool courage of Ogden — Satterlee drowned— Council of Censors^- 
Highly important proceedings — Armstrong returns with armed men — Capt. Bolin killed— 
Franklin's oath on the bloody rifle — Pleasing inf )rmation-^-Withdrawal of troops enlisted 
by Patterson— Third Pennymite and Yankee war — Battle-^Garrett and Pierce killed— 
Capt. John Franklin — Fort Dickinson invested-^Part of Wilkesbarre burnt — Negotia- 
tion — Fort assaulted — Yankees defeated — Patterson indicted — Civil authority arrives at 
Wyoming — Affair at Locust Hill— Jacob Everett killed — Hon. John Armstrong. 



Meanwhile the inhabitants v/ere not idle. Knowing the influence 
of public opinion, they sent petitions to the Pennsylvania Assembly, 
to the Assembly of Connecticut and to Congress, setting llDrth their 
wrongs, and praying for redress. With commendable promptitude, 
the Pennsylvania Assembly appointed the members from Northamp- 
ton county, viz : Jacob Arndt, Jacob Stroud, Jonas Hartzel and 
Robert Brown, Esqs., a committee to repair to Wyoming, and ex- 
amine into the charges made. Having arrived on the 29th of Decem- 
ber, and given notice to accusers and accused, they proceeded to take 
depositions, remaining in the Valley about ten days.* 

Hearing that new and ex-parte depositions had been sent down 
by Justice Patterson, a second petition was sent forward by the 
settlers, declaring their entire submission to the constitution and laws 
of Pennsylvania, as became good citizens, and beseeching protection. 
The whole matter was referred to a committee, which reported 

* " To the honour of this committee of Assembly, their inquiries were condLcted with the 
strictest justice and impartiality." — Franklin. 



g40 HISTORY OP WYOMING, 

January 23, 1784, briefly, that there was nothing* proved which 
might not be remedied hj process of law, and that there was no evi- 
dence that the irregularities were authorized or sanctioned by Justice 
Patterson. Daniel Clymer, Esq., of Berks county rose, and reading 
one of the depositions declared, " there was evidence enough in that 
to show that Alexander Patterson ought to be removed.'^ General 
Robert Brown said, *' he was certain no member of the House could 
imagine him in the interest of the people of Wyoming beyond the 
bounds of truth, and a desire to do justice. He had visited Wyoming 
as one of the committee ijpon the subject, and had heard all the evi- 
dence on both sides. The wrongs and sufferings of the people of 
Wyoming, be was constrained to declare, were intolerable* If there 
ever on earth was a people deserving redress, it was those people. 
Let the depositions lying on the table he read, and afford the House 
an opportunity to judge.'^ An evident desire was manifested sum- 
marily to get rid of the subject, the landholders' interest predomina- 
ting. Speaker Gray, somewhat irregularly remarked from the chair, 
that Justice Patterson had returned to Wyoming, that he could noE 
be prosecuted without being present, that the session was drawing to 
a close, and important business pressing, which must be laid over if 
this matter was pressed.^' In accordance with these suggestions the 
subject was allowed to rest. 

While these measures were in agitation, the policy of Justice Pat- 
terson was displayed, in causing a petition to be presented, signed 
by names distinguished among the settlers, complying with his de- 
mands, relinquishing the pretended claim under Connecticut, and 
soliciting the bounty of the Assembly, which was somewhat osten- 
tatiously extended to them, grants being made to Shephard, Spal- 
ding, and a dozen others, of lands in the western part of the State. 
The gentlemen answering to those names among the settlers dis- 
avowed the proceedings, and whatever became of those land war- 
rants we have been unable to learn. 

Other influences, in free States ever potent, began now to affect 
the interests of the settlers. At the preceding fall election, Capt. 
Simon Spalding, and twenty-three others, repaired to Northumber- 
land, some of them traveling an hundred miles, and none of them 
less than sixty, to reach the nearest place for balloting. After taking 
the oath of allegiance, their ballots were deposited in separate boxes, 
lest they should be deemed irregular ; but this caused it to be known 
for whom they had voted. So nearly were parties divided, that 
these twenty-four votes decided the election of a member of the Sa- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 34I 

preme Executive Council, two Representatives to the Assembly, 
and the Sheriff. Justice Patterson remonstrated vehemently, but 
unsuccessfully, against the commission being given to Henry Antis, 
Esq., thiss chosen Sheriff of Northumberland. The Assembly reject- 
ed the votes for members, which produced a protest from the mi- 
nority, brief, but so well drawn, and being the first political Penn- 
sylvania party movement, bearing on the affairs at Wyoming, we 
insert it entire. 

" We whose names are hereto subscribed, considering the security 
of elections the only safeguard of public liberty and the peace of the 
State, do protest against the determination of the House on the 
Northumberland election, for the following reasons. 

" We conceive the twenty-four votes set aside as illegal, were 
given by legal voters, inasmuch as the persons giving them were in 
fact in the government (though not in the territory) of Connecticut, 
which exercised a full jurisdiction over them, until the decree at 
Trent on<, 

"We observe, that allowing it to be Connecticut, as was contended 
until the decree at Trenton, then they may be deemed persons com- 
ing from another State, who producing certificates of their having 
taken the oath to this State, become by law entitled to vote : this, 
it was fully proved they had done. Of this construction we appre- 
hend there is clear and express precedent in the case of the inhabit- 
ants of Westmoreland and Washington, on the settlement of the 
Virginia line, who were admitted to vote immediately, as persons 
coming from another State. 

" We cannot but lament the fatal policy, which, instead of concilia- 
ting these people, and adopting them as our subjects and citizens, 
and endearing them to us in political bands, we are straining the 
laws against them, and making such difference between them and 
the adopted inhabitants of Virginia ; and hold ourselves clear of the 
consequences which must flow from such unadvised proceedings, 
which in our judgment has a strong tendency to revive the dispute, 
which they may yet do under the articles of confederation, and drive 
them back to the jurisdiction of Connecticut, which will be more 
ready to receive them, and renew the old claim, when they find the 
actual settlers excluded from the common privileges of the citizens 
of this State. Therefore we wish it to be known to our constituents, 
and to the world at large, that we have borne our testimony against 
the determination on said election." 

Subscribed by twenty members of the minority. 



342 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Congress, on the petition of Zebulon Butler and others, on motion 
of Mr. Jefferson, Chairman of the committee, — Resolved, January 23, 
1784, " That a court, under the 9th article of the confederation, should 
be raised, to try and determine the private right of soil, as derived 
from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and notice was ordered to be 
given to the respective parties to attend by their agents, on the 
fourth Monday of June following." A spirited remonstrance from 
the Pennsylvania Assembly, adopted the succeeding February, ar- 
rested further proceedings. Preferring to present this interesting 
matter in one connected view, the details are delayed to a future 
letter. 

It seemed as if the very elements had conspired to augment the 
woes, or to try the fortitude of the Wyoming people. After a winter 
of unusual severity, about the middle of March the weather became 
suddenly warm, and on the 13th and 14th rain fell in torrents, melt- 
ing the deep snows throughout all the hills and valleys in the upper 
regions watered by the Susquehanna. " The following day," says 
Chapman, "the ice in the river began to break up, and the streams 
rose with great rapidity. The ice first gave way at the different 
rapids, and floating down in great masses, lodged against the frozen 
surface of the more gentle parts of the river, where it remained firm. 
In this manner several large dams were formed, which caused such 
an accumulation of water that the river overflowed all its banks, 
and one general inundation overspread the extensive plains of Wyo- 
ming. The inhabitants took refuge on the surrounding heights, and 
saw their property exposed to the fury of the waters. At length 
the upper dam gave way, and huge masses of ice were scattered in 
every direction. The deluge bore down upon the dams below — 
which successively yielded to the insupportable burden, and the 
whole went off with the noise of contending storms. Houses, barns, 
fences, stacks of hay and grain, were swept off in the general des- 
truction, to be seen no more. The plain on which the village of 
Wilkesbarre is built, was covered with heaps of ice which continued 
a great portion of the following summer." 

To this admirable and graphic description, it may not be uninte- 
resting to add several instances of special adventure and loss. Abel 
Pierce, Esq., (whom we have before seen on the bench, as one of the 
justices of quorum, and whom we shall again be obliged to present 
in weeds of deepest woe,) had his residence on Kingston fiats, oppo- 
site Wilkesbarre. Suddenly in the night, the family was aroused by 
a rushing sound and mighty convulsions, which shook the house, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 343 

when the waters, a dam having broken above, flowed in upon the 
floor, giving them scarcely time to ascend for safety to the chamber, 
rescuing a few things from destruction. Huge masses of ice, one 
following another, struck against the side of the house, seemmg to 
be rending it from its foundations, and the water had already risen 
nearly to the upper floor. A craft, which they had secured the day 
before, tied to a tree close by the window, now afforded them the 
only ray of hope and shelter, as they were almost certain the build- 
ing must be swept away. Passing from the chamber window into 
the boat, the family waited in intense anxiety the subsiding of the 
deluge, and the break of morning. A daughter was thus exposed to 
the winds, the waves, and the storm, (who afterwards, as the 
honoured wife of Gen. Lord Butler, and the beloved mother of a 
numerous family, who still adorn every walk of life which they have 
chosen ;) and a son, whose melancholy fate, before the close of this 
letter, must be recorded. The waters suddenly fell, so that when 
light appeared aid arrived, and the family were saved ; but their 
stock of horses and cattle were all lost in the deluge. In Fish's 
Eddy, at the lower point of the town, forty head of cattle were seen 
floating at one time. But one life, so far as we learn, was lost, 
namely, that of Asa Jackson, in the upper part of Wilkesbarre, 
(Jacob's Plains.) He was the son of Mr. William Jackson, killed by 
the savages in 1779. His fate was peculiar — Daniel Gore and Mr. 
Jackson were standing on the river bank observing the ice break up, 
when suddenly there came a rush of waters deluging the flats, and 
pouring in huge masses between them and the hill. Jackson sprang 
on a horse he had beside him, and rode for life to reach the high 
lands, but becoming entangled in the ice he was borne away by the 
flood, man and steed, and v/ere no more seen. Mr. Gore stood still: 
flight for him seemed impossible, when providentially a canoe of his 
own, broken from its moorings, floated near him, and he contrived 
by skill and care, to reach the shore in safety. 

Reduced by successive visitations of ill fortune to poverty, this 
providential infliction, sweeping off many dwellings with their furni- 
ture, rude though they were hasty substitutes for those the savages 
had destroyed; the loss of provisions, clothing, cattle and hay, left 
numbers a prey to extreme sufferings, which their neighbours were 
in no condition effectually to relieve. Learning the distressing event, 
President Dickinson (with gratitude and honour be it recorded,) sent 
the following message to the Assembly on the 31st of March: 



344 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" Gentlemen, — The late inundation having reduced many of the 
inhabitants of Wyoming to great distress, we should be glad your 
honourable House would make some immediate provision for their 
relief." 

Pennsylvania, in every other instance just to a scruple, and gener- 
ous to profusion, yet under the influence of land-speculators the As- 
sembly labored under too deep a prejudice to regard the settlers 
as objects of commiseration or charity, and no aid was afforded^ 
The welcome and abundant shad fishing that ensued, alone prevented 
actual starvation. 

With the opening of spring the soldiery began to remove fences, 
disregarding the Connecticut boundaries, and establishing those of 
the Pennsylvania surveys.* Resistance was made, and a determi- 
nation avowed not to submit peaceably to the measure, the people 
insisting on a legal trial, declaring that to a regular and fair judicial 
decision they would yield implicit, if not cheerful obedience. Forth- 
with more vigorous and decisive measures were resolved upon, and 
justice Patterson, to prepare the mind of Council, wrote to the Pre- 
sident, the last of April, the following pregnant intimation: " I there- 
fore humbly hope, that if any dangerous, or seditious commotion 
should arise in this county, so remote from the seat of Government, 
that it may not be construed into a want of zeal or love for the 
Commonwealth, if we should, through dire necessity, he obliged to do 
some things not strictly consonant to the letter of the law.'^ 

On the 13th and 14th of May the soldiery were sent forth, and at 
the point of the bayonet, with the most highhanded arrogance, dis- 
possessed an hundred and fifty families ; in many instances, set fire 
to their dwellings, avowing the intention utterly to expel them from 
the country. Unable to make any effectual resistance, the people 

* " The soldiers were set to work removing the fences from the inclosures of the inhabitants 
— laying fields of grain open to he devoured — fencing up the highways, and between the 
houses of the settlers, and their wells of water — that they were not suffered to procure water 
from their wells, or to travel on their usual highways. The greatest part of the settlers were 
in the most dis^trcssed situation — numbers having had their horses swept off by the uncom- 
mon overflowing of the river Susquehanna in the month of March preceding; numbers 
were without a shelter, and in a starving condition ; but they were not suffered to cut a 
stick of timber, or make any shelter for their families. They were forbid to draw their netfe 
for fish — their nets were taken from them by the officers of the garrison. The settlers were 
olten dragged out of their beds in the night season by ruf^ans, and beat in a cruel manner. 
Complaints were made to the justices, as well as to the commanding officers of the garrison; 
but to no jjurpose — they were equally callous to every feeling of humanity." 

FRANKLIN. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 345 

implored for leave to remove either up or down the river, in boats, 
as with their wives and children, in the state of the roads, it would 
be impossible to travel. A stern refusal met this seemingly reasona- 
ble request, and they were directed to take the Lackawaxen road, as 
leading most directly to Connecticut. But this way consisted of 
sixty miles of wilderness, with scarce a house; the roads wholly 
neglected during the war, and they then begged leave to take the Eas- 
ton, or Stroudsburg road, where bridges spanned the larger streams, 
still swollen with recent rains. All importunities were vain, and the 
people fled towards the Delaware, objects of destitution and pity, 
that should have moved a heart of marble. About five hundred 
men, women and children, with scarce provisions to sustain life, 
plodded their weary way, mostly on foot, the road being impassable 
for wagons ; mothers carrying their infants, and pregnant women 
literally waded streams, the water reaching to their armpits, and at 
night slept on the naked earth, the Heavens their canopy, with 
scarce clothes to cover them. A Mr. Gardiner and John Jen- 
kins, Esq., (who had been a Representative in the Connecticut 
Assembly, and was Chairman of the Town Meeting, which, in 1775, 
had adopted those noble resolutions in favour of liberty,) both aged 
men and lame, sought their way on crutches. Little children, tired 
with traveling, crying to their mothers for bread, which they had 
not to give them, sunk from exhaustion into stillness and slumber; 
while the mothers could only shed tears of sorrow and compassion, 
till in sleep they forgot their grief and cares. Several of the un- 
happy sufferers died in the wilderness, others were taken sick from 
excessive fatigue, and expired soon after reaching the settlement. A 
widow with a numerous family of children, whose husband had been 
slain in the w^ar, endured inexpressible hardships. One child died, 
and she buried it as she could beneath a hemlock log, probably to be 
disinterred from its shallow covering, and be devoured by w^olves.* 

Wherever the news extended of this outrage, not on the Wyoming 
settlers alone, but on the common rights of humanity and justice, 



* It is probable that the ostensible reason for compelling the exiles to this route, the fear 
lest their old and kird friends at Stroudsburg should afford them aid, was not without 
weight. Esquire Elisha Harding wns one of the exiles. He says, "It was a solemn scene : 
parents, their children crying for hunger — aged men on crutches — all urged forward by an 
armed force at our heels. The first night we encamped at Capouse; the second, at Cobb's ; 
the third, at Little Meadow, so called. Cold, hungry and drenched with rain, the poor wo- 
men and children suffering much. The fourth night, at Lackawack ; fifth, at Blooming- 



346 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

feelings of indignation were awakened and expressed, too emphatic 
to be disregarded. In no part of the Union were the sympathies of 
the people more generously aroused than among the just and good 
people of Pennsylvania. The influence brought to bear on the 
Government, produced the instant dismissal of the troops ; and Cap- 
tains Shrawder and Christie were ordered, on the 13th of June, to 
discharge their respective companies. Justice Patterson forthwith, 
by his own authority, re-enlisted for the land-claimants, about one- 
half of the most desperate, already in their interest, in whom he 
could rely, and set at once the settlers and the Commonwealth at 
defiance. Henry Antis, Sheriff of Northumberland, on learning the 
disorders that prevailed, hastened to Wyoming to restore, if possible, 
the reign of law. Messengers were despatched after the exiles, with 
invitations to return, and promises of protection. Gladdened by 
these cheering tidings the settlers returned, assisted by the never- 
failing benevolence of the people of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 
along the Delaware ; but on their arrival, they found that Sheriff 
Antis was powerless against the illegal and desperate forces of Pat- 
terson. No homes opened their doors to receive them, for their 
farms were in the possession of others. Thus situated they encamped 
among the clefts of the rocks on the eastern mountains, where a cave 
was strengthened for their head-quarters, and received the name of 
" Fort Lillo-pe." Justice Patterson, unbroken in spirit and inflamed 
to the most vengeful resentment by the return of the fugitives, sent 
a flag of truce, and offered to those who had resided in Wilkesbarre, 
leave to return to their habitations in town, promising them protec- 
tion. Several men, who placed confidence enough in his honour to 
visit the place, were seized, tied up and cruelly beaten with iron 
ramrods. Capt. Jabez Fish, of Wilkesbarre, and Mr. John Gore, of 
Kingston, were two who thus suffered. Sheriff Antis being set at 
defiance by the now lawless garrison, returned to Northumberland, 
inculcating patience, and promising early assistance to the people. 
Tired of their comfortless residence. Fort Lillope, which had been 



grove; sixth, at Shehola ; on the seventh, arrived at the Delaware, where (he people dis- 
persed, some going up and some down the river. I kept on east, and when 1 got to the top 
of Shongum mountain, I looked back with this thought: shall I abandon Wyoming for- 
ever"? The reply was. No! oh no! There lie your murdered brothers and friends. Dear 
to me art thou, though a land of affliction. Every way looked gloomy, except towards Wy- 
oming. Poor, ragged and distressed as I was, I had youth, health, and felt that my heart 
was whole. So I turned back to defend or die.'' 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 347 

occupied since the 30th of May, was abandoned on the 3d of July, 
and the Yankees removed to Kingston, taking up their quarters at 
Abraham's (now Tuttle's) Creek. 

In the mean time a company of thirty young men had associated 
to defend the settlers, and secure the ripening harvests. Armed, 
and prepared for labour or war, on the 20th of July they were 
marching from Kingston to Shawney, when on Ross's Hill they met 
a larger party of Patterson's new levies, who opened a fire upon the 
Yankees, by which Elisha Garrett and Chester Pierce were slain. 
The former fell dead on the spot ; the latter lingered until the next 
morning, when he expired. The Yankees promptly returned the fire, 
by which several of Patterson's men were wounded ; Henry Brink 
and Wilhelmus Van Gordon being left on the field, and another 
returned to the fort, his broken arm swinging in his sleeve. Both 
Pierce and Garrett were highly esteemed for their virtues, and 
beloved for their open, frank and manly spirit. In the bloom of 
youth, manhood opening upon them with its fairest promise of use- 
fulness and honour, their untimely death shrouded the whole settle- 
ment in gloom. Chester Pierce was the son of the good Justice, 
Abel Pierce, Esq., of whom we have before spoken. They were 
buried amid deep execrations at the cruelty of Patterson, which had 
led to this civil war, mingling with the cries of woe. 

A general rally of the settlers, able to bear arms, was the conse- 
quence. Forty-two effective and twenty old men, mustered under 
Capt. John Franklin at Kingston, marched down on the west side 
of the river to Shawney, dispossessing every Pennsylvania family, 
(except from humanity those of Brink and Van Gordon, who lay 
wounded.) Franklin then crossed over to Nanticoke, and marched 
up, turning out every settler that did not hold under the Connecticut 
claim, driving them to the fort, which was immediately surrounded. 
Civil war to blood now openly prevailed. With equal spirit and 
policy the garrison, to dispossess the Yankees of several houses from 
which they were annoyed, made a sortie and set fire to twenty-three 
buildings, which were consumed. The fort mounted four pieces of 
cannon, the ancient four-pounder and three others, left by Sullivan's 
army, but destitute of suitable ammunition. The small arms, with 
cartridges provided for the companies of Shrawder and Christie, 
amounting to an hundred and thirty, were in good condition, and 
aflforded the besieged party, consisting of more than a hundred men, 
ample means of resistance. From time to time, messengers arrived 
from Northumberland, dissuading from hostilities, and promising 



348 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

protection from the civil authorities. Well inclined as the magis- 
trates doubtless were, they had no authority to embody an armed 
force, without which their presence, in the existing state of excited 
passions, would, they well imagined, prove wholly inefficacious. 

Having taken possession of the grist-mill at Mill-Creek, the only 
one in the settlement, the settlers kept it running night and day, to 
provide flour for themselves and friends, for future emergencies, as 
well as their present wants. 

Capt. John Franklin was entrusted with the command of the be- 
sieging forces; and before storming the fort, sent in the following 
summons. 

"Wyoming, July 27, 1784. 

"Gentlemen: — In the name and behalf of the inhabitants of this 
place, who hold their lands under the Connecticut claim, and were 
lately, without law, or even the colour of law, driven from their 
possessions in a hostile and unconstitutional manner, we, in the name 
of those injured and incensed inhabitants, demand an immediate sur- 
render of your garrison unto our hands, together with our possessions 
and property; which, if complied with, you shall be treated with 
humanity and commiseration, otherwise the consequences shall 
prove fatal and bloody to every person found in the garrison. 

We give you two hours for a decisive answer, and will receive the 
same at Mr. Bailey's. 

Signed, John Franklin, 

In behalf of the injured." 

Whatever might be the faults committed, the garrison, as Pennsyl- 
vania soldiers, never wanted courage to dare, or fortitude to endure. 
The summons was received with scorn. A vigorous, but unsuccessful 
attack was made on the fort, several lives were lost, both parties being 
sufferers, but the Yankees were compelled to retire, and took up their 
former position above Forty Fort. 

Forty of the Pennsylvania party, concerned in the expulsion of the 
inhabitants, among whom were Justice Patterson and Major James 
Moore, were indicted by the Grand Jury at Sunbury, and Sheriff 
Antis was sent to Wyoming to arrest them; but his efforts were 
unavailing, as Patterson and IV^ore, secure behind their ramparts, 
set him and his authority at defiance.* 

* At a trial subsequently held, Ciiief Justice M'Kean firesiJincr, the majesty of the laws 
was nobly vindicated; the rioters, (wlio, mortifying enough, had been arrested by Franklin 
and Swift, Yankee leaders, deputed by the Sheriff) severely fined. The charge of the Judge 
was long remembered for its just sentiments, its deep feeling, and the impressive manner in 
which it was delivered ; but the fines were never collected. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 349 

In obedience to orders from the Supreme Executive Council, 
Thomas Hewit, Esq., a Justice of the Peace, accompanied by John 
Scott, Esq., Coroner of Northumberland County, repaired to Wyo- 
ming, where they arrived on the 29th of July. A few days after- 
wards they were joined by Sheriff Antis, and Justices Mead and 
Martin, with directions, by the interposition of the authority of the 
Commonwealth with both parties, to put a stop to hostilities. But the 
Yankees, having learned that an armed force, partly collected in New 
Jersey, were assembling at Earner's, under the command of Major 
Moore, to reinforce Patterson, had previously detached Capt. John 
Swift, a determined ofRcer, with thirty picked men, to meet, dislodge 
and defeat them before they could reach the "Valley. It was certainly 
unfortunate, for on the 2nd of August, the day Sheriff Antis and the 
Magistrates arrived, Swift met an advanced party at Locust Hill :* 
a battle ensued, Jacob Everett, one of Moore's men, was killed, and 
several others wounded on each side, when both parties retired, 
Moore to Easton, and Swift to his post in Kingston. In this instance 
the Yankees were charged with an unprovoked murder, as the men 
attacked were in Northampton County, and had not participated 
in the disturbances at Wyoming. It was defended as a measure of 
absolute necessity and justifiable self defence, the destination and 
object of the troops being perfectly understood, and their commander 
being Major Moore, the active oppressor of the settlers, and confi- 
dential coadjutor of Patterson. It afterwards appeared that Moore's 
company was the advanced guard of a larger force, raised by order 
of the Supreme Executive Council, and placed under the command 
of Col. John Armstrong, Secretary, and the Hon. John Boyd, a mem- 
ber of the Council, who were appointed Commissioners to restore the 
reign of law and order in the disturbed district. Three hundred 
Infantry, and fifteen light dragoons, were ordered to be raised from 
the militia of Northampton, and placed at their disposal.f 

* Locust ridge was on the old Sullivan road, near the south bank of the Lehi, three or 
four miles east of Stodartsville. 

t The Yankees affirm that Logan, a mulatto, was under Patterson, with a company of 
thirty men, raised on the Delaware. A rude old song spoke of Logan : — 

The 20th of September, 

We marched the rebel route 5 
From Easton to Wyoming, 
To drive the Yankees out. 

The weary dogs and savage beasts 
Would rather steal than show their face. 



350 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

In introducing a gentleman of so much eminence as Col. Armstrong 
upon the scene of action, a few words illustrative of his character 
may not be deemed inappropriate. — Col. Armstrong was then most 
distinctly known as the author of the Newberg Letters to the army, 
written with a power and eloquence rarely equalled, if ever surpassed, 
and which it required the whole force of Washington's influence to 
disarm of its envenomed poison. Though passed by with marked 
neglect by Washington, succeeding Presidents, deeming that his 
talents might be rendered serviceable to the country, called him into 
public life, and he was successively appointed to the stations of 
Minister to Madrid, then to France, and afterwards, during the last 
contest with Great Britain, to that of Secretary of War. In whatever 
station placed, his style, formed on the model of Junius, equally terse, 
vigorous, and epigramatic, attracted universal attention, and wrung 
even from his enemies unwilling applause. " To appeal to the Laws 
of Nations," said he to Napoleon, " is literally to appeal to the dead." 
In his incendiary letter to the army, he thus speaks — " Can you con- 
sent to be the only sufferers by this revolution, and retiring from the 
field, grow old in poverty, wretchedness and contempt ? Can you 
consent to wade through the vile mire of despondency, and owe the 
miserable remnant of that life to charity, which has hitherto been 
spent in honour 1 If you can, go, and carry with you the jest of tories, 
and the scorn of whigs — the ridicule, and what is worse, the pity of 
the world. — Go, starve, and be forgotten! " 

But in style alone was his vigour displayed. As Secretary at 
War, the duty of providing for the defence of Washington devolved 
especially on him; and with its capture he lost, with his friends, all 
that was desirable of popularity, and all that was estimable in con- 
fidence ; while his enemies, and he had many, in the bitterness of 
their execration, quoting the line of Homer, " Thou dog in forehead, 
but a deer in heart," insisted it was only that the lion skin was 
removed, and the man exposed in his true character. From 1812 

We halted all at Roniig's, 

Our forces to review : 
Our chief commander Logan 
Encouraged thus his crew — 

" Brave lads he cried, who steals the most, 
He shall obtain the highest post." 

Prejudice probably dignified a servant of Patterson, or Van Campen, with the title of an 
officer. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 351 

he lived at his seat on the Hudson, in affluent neglect, until 1843, 
when at past the age of eighty years his career was closed in death. 
If some slight bitterness may seem to be infused into this sketch, his 
conduct at Wyoming will be found to have richly deserved it. 

Previous to the arrival of Col. Armstrong, negotiations had been 
opened by the magistrates, with both the contending parties. The 
letters which passed ; their communication to the President of Coun- 
cil, and their report to Messrs. Boyd and Armstrong, are regarded 
of great importance, as they show, officially and incontestibly, that 
the Wyoming people were the suffering party ; willing to pay obe- 
dience to the laws ; but driven to arms by unendurable oppression. 

" Wyoming, 5th of August, 1784. 

" Gentlemen : — In obedience to our instruction from the Supreme 
Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania, we have repaired 
to this place, and find two distinct parties in actual hostilities. 
Therefore, in the name of the Commonwealth we command you, and 
that without delay, to deliver to us the arms of your party, and such 
a number of your men as we shall think proper, to put in charge of 
the High Sheriff until the pleasure of the Chief Justice is known, 
and those that remain to be bound to the peace and good behaviour 
in sufficient security. 

" We are, etc. Thomas Hewit, 

David Mead, 

Robert Martin." 
" Messrs. Phinehas Pierce, 

Giles Slocum, 

John Swift. 

*' N. B. — The Connecticut party dispersed in our presence." 

" Wyoming, August 5th, 1784. 

" Gentlemen :— We received yours of the present date as magis- 
trates, and as such we revere you in your exalted sphere ; and as 
you have, in the name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania made 
a demand of our arms, declare our promptitude to comply with your 
requisition, and we shall rely, gentlemen, upon your honours, that 
we shall have the benefit of the laws of this State, in all respects, for 
the future ; at the same time lamenting the neglect of the law in 



352 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 



times past, which has been the occasion of all the hostilities we are 
charged with. 

" Gentlemen, we are, with respect, etc. 

John Franklin, 
John Swift, 
Giles Slocxjm, 
Phinehas Piehce. 



*' Thomas Hewit, 
David Mead, 
Robert Martin. 



Esquires." 



" Wyoming, 5th August, 1784. 
" Gentlemen": — In consequence of our instructions from the Su- 
preme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania, we have 
demanded of the Connecticut party their arms, and such a number 
of their men as we think proper to put in charge of the High Sheriff 
of the county, until the pleasure of the Chief Justice is known, and 
those that remain to be bound to the peace and good behaviour, in 
sufficient security, which they have complied with. Therefore, in 
the name of the Commonwealth, we demand the same of you and 
your party; also the delivery to us of all the State property, and 
your flag to be taken down. 

" We are, etc. Thomas Hewit, 

Robert Martin, 
David Mead. 
" Messrs, Alexander Patterson, 
Blackall W. Ball, Samuel 
Reed, Andrew Henderson." 

** Wyoming, August 6th, 1784. 
"Gentlemen : — In obedience to the instructions of Council, of the 
24th of July, we repaired to this place, and found the Pennsylvania 
and Connecticut parties in actual hostilities, and yesterday made a 
demand of the Connecticut party, of a surrender of their arms, and 
submission to the laws of this State, which they complied with ; refer- 
ence being had to the enclosed papers. We also made a demand of 
the same nature, of the party in the garrison, but have received no 
direct, but an evasive answer, at the same time expressing fear of 
their lives ; in reply to which, they were promised protection, agree- 
ably to law, in every respect ; but still hold the garrison, and have 
not dispersed. We believe that a due execution of the laws will be 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 353 

the most effectual means to quiet the country ; as to the pretended 
titles of the Connecticut party we have nothing to fear, and are con- 
vinced that had it not been through the cruel and irregular conduct 
of our people, the peace might have been established long since, and 
the dignity of this Government supported. 

** We are, etc. Thomas Hewit, 

Robert Martin, 
David Mead. 
" His Excellency the President and Mem- 
bers of the Supreme Executive Coun- 
cil of Pennsylvania. Pr. Express.''' 

"Wyoming, August 7th, 1784. 
" Gentlen^en : — We are sorry to have occasion to vv^rite to you on 
so disagreeable a subject as the hostilities of this place. We have 
■dispersed the Connecticut partj^; but our own people ive cannot. Yes- 
terday, when we despatched a message to Council, we had some 
expectation of introducing the laws of Government here ; but this 
day, when a civil officer attempted the service of legal process on 
persons in the garrison, admission and service was denied; the pro- 
per depositions of which we have taken, in order to transmit to the 
Chief Justice: Therefore, we think it our indispensable duty to 
request you to come forward with the militia, with as much despatch 

as possible. 

" We are, gentlemen, etc. 

David Mead, 
Robert Martin. 
" John Boyd, ) y .. „ 

John Armstrong. ) "^^ 

" We are convinced," say the commissioners, " that had it not been 
through the cruel and irregular conduct of our people, the peace 
might have been established long since, and the dignity of this Govern- 
ment supported," And this representation derives weight from the 
fact that David Mead, Esq., was one of the illegally elected Justices, 
and for a year the coadjutor of Justice Patterson. His better judg- 
ment, and moral sensibility, shocked at the wrongs perpetrated on 
the settlers, led him to this official declaration. 

Again, "we have dispersed the Connecticut party, our people we 

cannot" Being set at defiance ; their messenger to the fort told, 

that " Capt. Patterson desired him to go home about his business, if 

any he had," — and bid him begone, begone immediately:-' the com^ 

23 



354 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

niissioners wrote to urge the march of Boyd and Armstrong, to reduce 
the refractory Pennsylvanians. 

Upon the refusal of Patterson to yield obedience, the commissioners 
permitted the Connecticut people to resume their arms for self defence, 
and they immediately concentrated their forces at their former post, 
on Abraham's Creek, where they waited, as far as brave men may 
ever be said to do so, with fear and trembling, the arrival of Cols. 
Armstrong and Boyd. Having assembled a force of four hundred 
men, those gentlemen marched from Larner's on the 6th, and on the 
8th of August* arrived at Wyoming. A proclamation was immedi- 
ately issued, declaring that they came in the name of the common- 
wealth, as commissioners of peace, to repress violence from whatever 
quarter, to establish order, and restore the reign of law; demanding 
an immediate cessation of hostilities, and the surrender of their arms 
by both parties, promising impartial justice and protection. A con- 
ference having been opened with the Connecticut party, serious doubts 
and misgivings existed in the breasts of several of the Yankee leaders, 
who had so far experienced, as they said, " nothing but oppression 
and treachery;" but Col. Armstrong pledged his faith as a soldier, 
and his honour as a gentleman, that Patterson's party should also be 
disarmed, and equal protection should be extended to all. They pa- 
raded, were ordered to "ground arms"f — they were then commanded 
— " right about — march ten steps — halt — right about !" which they 
obeyed; when Col. Armstrong ordered his men to advance and take 
up the grounded arms. Thus far was according to their expectations ; 
but their surprise was merged in bitterest mortification, when Col. 
Armstrong gave rapid orders, as rapidly obeyed, to surround the dis- 
armed settlers, and make them all prisoners — resistance was vain, 

♦Chapman says the 16th. Col.Franklin's journal is precise as to this and twenty sueceeJing 
dales, mentioning also the day of the week. He has it — " Sunday 8, Col. Armstrong, and 
Esq. Boyd with four hundred Nortliam|)ton militia arrived here. 

Tues. 10. Lay down our arms to Col. Armstrong, and Esq. Boyd, after having given us 
every engagement that no advantage should be taken," &c. 

t Elisha Harding in his letter to the autlior says, "Col. Armstrong came with his regi- 
ment, and with great parade entered the fort, and then wrote to Col. Franklin stating that 
he had orders from the Governor to march to Wyoming, to stop the effusion of blood; that 
he had heard the Yankees had laid down their arms to the Sheriff, in submission to the 
law ; but in order that he could assure the Governor he had seen it, desired Col. Franklin 
would parade his men, and again lay down their arms, pledging his honour and the honour 
of the state, that they should not be detained more than an hour, and that no advantage 
should be taken of their submission." The rest is known. I suppress the terms of indigna- 
tion used at the treachery. The name of Brandt was scarcely more execrated by all tiie 
ancient people. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 355 

and escape hopeless^ Not a musket was taken from Patterson's 
forces, but they beheld the successful treachery of Col. Armstrong 
with unrestrained delight, and taunting exultation. A soldier's faith 
should be unsullied as the judicial ermine — the pledged honour of 
a gentleman, more sacred than life. Both were basely violated, and 
language is too poor to paint in proper colours the detestable deed.* 
Bound with cords, the thirty who had been with Swift at Locust 
Hill were thrown into the guard house, charged with murder, and 
orders given to put to death instantly, any man who should at- 
tempt to escape.f Had not civil war, open war, prevailed 1 Had not 
blood been shed and lives been lost? If self defence justified hos- 
tilities, and did it not? is there any maxim in military affairs better 
established, than that you are' warrantable in attacking an enemy 
concentrating on your frontiers, to invade you, before his reinforce- 
ments come up? The expedition, then, of Swift, to Locust Hill, 
however deeply to be deplored, was justified on the plea of necessity 
and self defence. The thirty men, as soon as irons could be pro- 
vided, were marched to Easton, under a strong guard and committed 
to prison.J Forty-six others were bound and confined, part in an 

* Remote and obscure as Armstrong may have regarded the scene of treachery, and how- 
ever inconsiderable the sufferers, the transaction was soon bruited abroad, and adding infamy 
to the ignominy of his Newberg Letters, tended long to exile him, fine as was his address, 
and considerable as were his talents, from public confidence and employments. 

"I will remark that the Northampton militia, in general, appeared to be humane." 

FRANKLIN. 

+ The account given of this affair by Elisha Harding, Esq., is minute and interesting. 
" When the Yankees were marched to the fort from the place where they laid down their arms 
(a mile below the bridge, on the Carey Town road, near the new white house of M'Cleans, 
[1843,]) Armstrong sat on horseback in imposing state, and ordered the roll of the prisoners 
to be called. As a name was spoken that was at Locust Ridge — he nodded towards Giles 
Slocum's house, whither the man was sent. When one was called, not at the Ridge, he 
nodded, like another Jove, towards Col. Butler's, whither the man was sent, and so on until 
all were called off and separated. Those destined for Easton were treated with great severity, 
being deprived of any food for twenty-four hours. When the irons were ready, they were 
hand cuffed in pairs, right and left, a long rope tied to the irons, and that fastened to two 
soldiers, who marched next; then came two more prisoners, and a pair of soldiers; thus a 
very long column was formed, all fastened together, flanked by a strong guard, with bayonets 
fixed. Going up the mountain, some hung back, and impeded the march; some contrived 
to loosen their hands, and cut the cords. Threats of instant death did but increase the mis- 
chief. Maj. Abbot and Waterman Baldwin escaped at Larner's. Wm. Ross, by superior 
activity, took leave from Heller's. The rest were lodged in prison ; our allowance being a 
pound of bread with water a day. But there was an old gentleman of Easton, who every 
Friday sent us a dinner good enough for men who were well fed. He has been long dead, 
but his memory will live with me while I have life. His name was Michael Hart, an Is- 
raelite. This meal did but give us an appetite for more ; so we concluded to break up house 
keeping, and seek better quarters," — &c. 
t " Aug, 14. The Locust Hill party being coupled two and two in irons, and all bound 



HISTORY OF WYUMiiNCf. 

out-house of Col. Butler; part in the red house (still standing,) on 
Bank Street. Among the latter were Jehoiada Pitt Johnson, (father 
of the present Attorney-General of Pennsylvania,) and Lieut. John 
Jenkins. — Their hands were tied behind them. Turning back to 
back, some of the prisoners were fortunate enough to loose the bands 
of their fellows, who proceeded to untie the rest. Lieut. Jenkins, 
with characteristic spirit, swore by the God who made him his hands 
should never be untied if they rotted off, unless by the very man who 
• had bound him. The day following his wrists being so swollen, as 
nearly to bury the cord, the man was sent, and he was released. 
Justices Martin and Mead, having full confidence in Messrs. Franklin, 
Pierce, and Slocum, with whom they had previously negotiated, 
admitted them and Mr. Johnson to bail, binding them to attend the 
next court to be holden at Sunbury. 

On Thursday, the 19th, the remaining forty-two prisoners were 
again bound, and sent under a strong detachment of men to North- 
umberland jail, two of whom made their escape by the way, and 
four after arriving at Sunbury. Thus sixty-six men of the Connecti- 
cut party were in prison, it being apparent that Col. Armstrong was 
acting under the influence of the landholders, in the same line of policy 
with Justice Patterson, namely, to dispossess by fraud and force the 
settlers from the beautiful, and, from the long and bloody contests for 
them, the inappreciably rich and lovely Wyoming alluvial lands, her 
fertile meadows, and extensive plains. The conquest seemed to be 
complete;* the work effectually done; the pacification of the Valley 

together with ropes, were sent to Ecaston under guard. As they were marching off Mr. Se- 
cretary Armstrong gave orders to the guard, that if any one prisoner attempted to make his 
escape, to put the whole immediately to death, and that Government would indemnify them 
for so doing." 

" August 19. Forty-two others were bound together with ropes, in a team, and sent under 
a military guard to Sunbury goal. The Sheriff of the County proposed to take charge of 
the whole that were to be sent to Sunbury, before they left Wyoming, and to he accountable 
for them all, hut could not he permitted. In a woi'd, during the coniinement of the prisoners 
at Wyoming, they were treated in a most cruel and barl)arous manner, — suffered with hunger 
— and suffocated in a nauseous prison, for the want of fresh air; and insulted by a banditti 
of ruffians — the prisoners were not even suffered to go out of their house to perform, their most 
necessary occassions for the ease of nature, lor the term of nine days." 

FRANKLIN. 
[Oh! this was but one degree less horrible than the Black Hole at Calcutta.] 
* A letter to the author, dated Hartford, Con., June 3d, 1845, says — " A few days since, a 
gentleman of this city (Jflseph Morgan Esq.,) furnished me with an original letter which 
relates to Wyoming, and which he thought might be of service to you, if your work had 
not gone to press. It was presented to him by John Potter, Esq. of Centre County, the 
grandson of one of the persons to whom it was addressed. The superscription of the letter 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. ggt 

accomplished; and tenants of the Pennsylvania claimants took pos- 
session of the empty dwellings ; the only difficulty that remained, was 
how to get rid of the wives and children of those in jail, and of the 
widows and orphans whose husbands and fathers slept beneath the sod. 

is as follows. " The Honourable Gen. James Potter, and Col. William Montgomery, Esqrs. 
Members of Council of Censors, Philadelpliia, — hand by Mr. Johnson.'' — 

This paper is from the pen of Robert Martin, Esq., one of the Pennsylvania Justices, sent 
by the government to restore order at Wyoming. A person so eminent as Col. Armstrong, 
being deeply implicated by our narrative, the letter is deemed of great importance, fully sus- 
taining as it does the facts we had derived from other sources. 

Wyoming, 14th August, 1784. 
Gentlemen : — 
I beg leave to give you a detail of matters at this place. I must confess I am much disap- 
pointed as to the conduct of the Commissioners, to wit, Captain Boyd and Col. Armstrong. 
Esquire Mead and myself repaired to this place, in obedience to our instructions from Coun- 
cil, a copy of which hope you will call on Council for, and peruse, whereby you'll find we are 
required by every legal means in our power to investigate matters and to proceed impartially, 
in order that offenders of every description may be brought to justice. At our arrival we 
found that both the Pennsylvania and Connecticut parties had actually proceeded to hostilities, 
which we are well assured began five miles from the Garrison on Shawney Plains, about the 
20th July last. Which party first began the fire at that time we cannot with certainty say ; 
but we view both parties guilty of hostilities : previous to this, it can be proved, that numbers 
of the Connecticut party have been fired upon by the other party when they were about 
their lawful business. But to return to the subject of our mission or duty; soon after we 
came to this place, we called on the Connecticut party in the name of the commonwealth, to 
lay down their arms, and submit themselves to the laws; which they accordingly did, which 
will appear by papers inclosed in our letter to Council of the 6th inst., August ; and at the 
same time declaring their willingness at all times to be law abiding; we accordingly made a 
demand of the like nature of Patterson and his party, or in other words, the Pennsylvania 
party; their answer was that they would comply, but said they would every one be murdered 
by the Connecticut party; we in answer to them said, we did not apprehend the least danger 
from their opponents, as they had solemnly engaged to us they would not molest or hurt one 
of them on any pretence whatever; we further assured them that we would not ask them to 
deliver their arms to us, before we put the arms of the Connecticut party on board the boat 
within sight of the Garrison; but all our arguments and proposals was to no purpose. Thea 
we returned to the Connecticut party, and informed them that they were at liberty to take 
up their arms and disperse, and goto their habitations about their lawful business, which we 
believe they did, as we were of opinion that it would not be prudent to disarm one party and 
not the other. Our proposals to both parties were, that if they would submit to the laws, and 
deliver up their arms to us, we would put as many of the leading men of both parties, as we 
should see proper, in custody of the sheriff, to be taken to Sunbury. Had these proposals 
been complied with by Patterson and his party, we should have had no use for t!ie Com- 
missioners, or Militia, which plan we thought most likely to answer the objects of Govern- 
ment, and quiet the minds of the people, and at the same time be acting up to our instruc- 
tions from Council. AVehad solemnly engaged to the Connecticut party on their submission, 
they should haveequal justice with the other party, and the benefit of the law, which engage- 
ment we made known to the Commissioners on their arrival, who approved of our conduct, 
and assured us that they were sent here to do complete justice without distinction of parties ; 
which gave us the highest expectations that matters would soon be settled in such a manner 
as would do honour to Government; but to our astonishment, no sooner had the Connecticut 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Crowned with victory if not with laurel, Col. Armstrong returned 
to Philadelphia, to report fornaally to Council, and confidentially to his 
real, though less ostensible employers, the success of his mission. 
Scarcely had he time to receive the congratulations of friends on 
the promptitude and vigour with which he had brought to a close an 
enterprise that had baffled the efforts of his predecessors for more 
than a year, when the mortifying tidings reached the city, that the 
Sunbury prisoners were all released on bail, and the Locust Hill ban- 
ditti had risen on their keepers, and only eleven were retaken and re- 
manded to prison, while fourteen made their escape, and had returned 
to the contested district.* With signal celerity, Col. Armstrong 
raised a force of fifty men, and by rapid marches reached Wilkes- 
barre, on Monday the 20th of September. 

party yielded themselves prisoners, and laid down their arms to the Commissioners, they 
were immediately marched under a strong guard, and crowded into two small houses, unfit 
for the reception of any human being, at the same time, to the great mortification of those 
prisoners, and contrary as they say, to the promise of the Commissioners, were insulted by 
the other party, with their arms in their hands, which we think by no means accords with 
the declaration of the Commissioners, which was, that they were sent here to do com- 
plete justice. It appears very clear to us, that the proceedings now at this place, are 
carried on in so unfair, partial, and unlawful manner, that we despair of establishing 
peace and good order in this part of the County; therefore, as for my own part, thiidc it 
not prudent to act for the future in my office, unless properly supported, as we are very 
sure, nothing short of law, impartially distributed without distinction, will ever restore 
peace, and quiet the minds of the people in this place; sorry we are, and with reluctance we 
mention the partial proceedings here by the officers of Government, but at the same time 
think it our indispensable duty to bear testimony against them; w& are much alarmed ai 
the horrid abuse of power lodged in the hands of designing and biased men; we fear event- 
ually it may bring on an intestine war between the states, to prevent which, we hope the 
authority of Pennsylvania will execute justice to every citizen thereof The Connecticut 
party have generally declared themselves as such, by taking the oath of allegiance to this state 
as directed by law. God forbid that I should have any desire or inclination to favour the 
Connecticut party or their claims. I can honestly declare, that I should be as well pleased 
to see them legally removed from this place as any man in the State: as my interest here is 
under the Pennsylvania right. It must appear to every one acquainted with this circum- 
stance, much to my interest to have them dispossest. I again say that 1 have nothing in view 
respecting the unhappy disputes here, but to do equal justice to every person, as I hope my 
conduct will at all times stand the test, and I be esteemed a faithful servant to Government." 

1 am with due respect. Gentlemen, 

Your Humble Servant, 

Rob. Martin. 
Honourable James Potter, and Wni. Montgomery, Esquires. 
N.B. — Gentlemen, you may make what use you please of this letter either public or 
private. 

* Edward Inman, one of the Easton party, a man of great strength and personal courage, 
seized the keys from the jailor, knocked him down and gave the whole company liberty. A 
hot pursuit was immediately commenced. By scattering in all directions fourteen got free, 
while eleven were taken. After lying in jail three months, a court was held at Easton. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

In addition to Mr. Boyd, there came with Col. Armstrong Mr. 
James Read and Mr. John Oakley, as commissioners to bring about a 
compromise, but the latter speedily returned, without as is known, 
making any endeavour to effect the purpose of his mission. 

While at Sunbury, Mr. Franklin was arrested on two warrants 
arising out of affairs at Wyoming, and on the 21st of September, the 
day after Armstrong's arrival, Mr. Johnson, Phineas Pierce, and 
Mr. Franklin were arrested for treason, on warrants from Justice 
Seeley. The object of those constantly recurring, expensive and 
harrassing arrests, is easily comprehended. 

The sufferings of the Connecticut people had excited indignation 
and pity throughout the whole country, and several Green Mountain 
boys, who had gone through a similar struggle with the authorities of 
New York, had come to Wyoming, and volunteered their assist- 
ance to the settlers. An attempt by Patterson's men to secure a 
portion of the Yankee harvest was met and repelled. An occurrence 
which happened on Sunday night, the 26th of September, is differ- 
ently represented. Col. Armstrong reported that the Yankees, 
wholly unprovoked, made an attack on his quarters in Wilkesbarre, 
but were vigorously met and speedily repulsed, giving this as a 
proof of the evil disposition of the people. Mr. Franklin and others, 
in a memorial protest, " We declare to God that the report is false, 
and the Connecticut party had no hand in it ;" charging Armstrong 
and Patterson with making the attack, or pretended attack, them- 
selves, for the purpose of criminating the settlers. Exhausted pa- 
tience could endure no longer. Forbearance had ceased to be a 
virtue, while fear and cowardice began to be so distinctly imputed 
against the Yankee leaders, that they resolved to bring the matter to 
a crisis by attacking the garrison. A frame work of plank was 
formed and placed on wheels, so that pushed forward, it would 
shield the assailants from the small arms of the enemy. A number 
of men all armed, and some of them carrying brands of fire, under 



Chief Justice M'Kean presiding, and bills sent up to the Grand Jur\', charging the prisoners 
with the murder of Jacob Everett. The Jury promptly returned the bills " ■ig'nci-a?nws,'' 
when Judge M'Kean snid, " he did not see how they could render such a return," but in 
conclusion remarked, "tliat killing by either side was no way to settle the title to the land." 
The Jury considered the settlers as fighting in self-defence ; and such was the popular opi- 
nion throughout the State. This and the subsequent refusal of the Jury of Northumberland 
to find bills against the prisoner-s sent to Sunbury, and the fact that Major Moore, and a large 
number of Patterson's party were indicted and convicted, will show the prevailing feeling 
throughout Pennsylvania, in re.'?pcct to the parties. 



360 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

the command of Capt. Swift, on the evening of the 29th September, 
supported by a strong corps in reserve, pushed up their frame towards 
a house occupied by Patterson. A battle ensued ; the house was 
abandoned and set on fire, and Messrs. Henderson and Reed, in at- 
tempting to escape to the fort were shot down. Capt. Swift received 
a wound in the throat, which was supposed to be mortal.* 

The garrison was now closely invested, the Yankees occupying 
two houses from which the opposing party had been driven. Two of 
the same name belonged to the investing company, designated as 
little William and big William Smith. The latter, in attemptir>g to 
obtain water from the river, was shot through the body. He reached 
the house and said, '" they have killed me," and almost instantly ex- 
pired. Capt. I'Vanklin was wounded in the wrist. Keen as were the 
Yankee sharp shooters, the Pennymites showed themselves in no re- 
spect their inferiors. A small opening, or eye-hole had been made in 
the house to watch the garrison, the distance being about fifty rods. 
Nathan Stevens in taking an observation from this aperture, received 
a rifle ball directly in his eye, and fell dead on the floor. The loss of 
Franklin and Swift wounded, with two or three others, whose names 
we have not been able to ascertain ; Stevens and Smith, having 
been killed, the Yankees were compelled to abandon the siege. Col. 
Armstrong returned a day or two preceding, or immediately subse- 
quent, to Philadelphia. 

An incident happened about this time well deserving to be record- 
ed, as it exhibited a high degree of promptitude, courage and self- 
possession, marking the hero. A Pennymite named Ogden, out re- 
connoitering, had been taken prisoner by William Slocuni and John 
Satterlee, pinioned tightly and placed in a canoe, to be conveyed to 
the west side of the river. " Be careful," said Satterlee, " our 
canoe is very unsteady, and I can't swim." " Nor I neither," replied 
Slocum, " so you need n't fear." " Ah ha !" cried Ogden, " but I 
can — good bye gentlemen," and instantly upset the boat, throwing 
himself coolly upon his back, his arms tied behind helping to buoy 
him up; thus he floated, and swam with the ease of a duck till he 
reached the shore, and escaped to tell the tale to his companions in the 

* The following; day, two companions, to remove Swift to a place where he could be 
safely and carefully nursed, took hitn in a canoe, and began to ascend the river, when one of 
them observed, ' There is a deer on yonder shore.' The ruling passion " strong in death" was 
exhibited by Swift, who suffering, and as all believed dying, begged they would turn him over 
and place the rifle iu his hands. The old hunter still true to the mark, dropped the deer 
in his tracks and fainted. Tliougii slowly, and long first, Swift recovered. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 361 

fort. Slocum seized the rope of the canoe, ''and escaped. Satterlee 
sunk to the dark shades of death. He was a fine young fellow, of 
noble port, a generous spirit, and unquestionable bravery. Whether 
this gallant young Pennymite, who so daringly escaped, was a rela- 
tive of Capt. x\raos Ogden, we cannot ascertain.* 

On arriving in the city. Col. Armstrong learned to his surprise, if 
not dismay, that his proceedings at Wyoming, and those previously 
of justice Patterson, had aroused a spirit of opposition and resent- 
ment, which now began to display itself in official acts, which could 
not fail to produce an important influence on the course of policy 
pursued. 

By the first constitution of Pennsylvania, which was established 
immediately after the declaration of independence, the Government 
of the Commonwealth was vested in a House of Representatives, and a 
President, and Council. Another Council was also established, call- 
ed the " Council of Censors," who were chosen by the people, and 
directed to meet every seventh year; "and whose duty it shall be," 
says the constitution, " to inquire whether the constitution has been 
preserved inviolate in every part, and whether the Legislative and 
Executive branches of the Government have performed their duty 
as guardians of the people, or assumed to themselves, or exercised, 
other, or greater powers than they are entitled to by the constitution. 
They are also to inquire whether the public taxes have been 
justly laid, and collected in all parts of the Commonwealth; iu 
what manner the public moneys have been disposed of, and 
whether the laws have been duly executed. For these purposes 
they shall have power to send for persons, papers, and records. They 
shall have authority to pass public censures, to order impeachments, 
and to recommend to the the Legislature the repealing such laws as 
appear to them to^ have been enacted contrary to the principles of 
the constitution." 

This Council of Censors met at Philadelphia in the summer of 
1784, and having received information of the transactions at Wyo- 
ming, on the 7th of September, ordered that the President and Supreme 
Executive Council should furnish certain documents in relation to their 
proceedings in the case of the Connecticut settlers, at and near that 
place; and that William Bradford, Jr., and James Wilson, Esqrs., 



* Our admiration for their valour, leads us earnestly to wish we could trace those gallant 
Ogdens up into seats of iionour and prosjierity. I'hey deserved it. There is still exist- 
ing in New Jersey, a noble family of that name, if every manly virtue can constitute nobility. 



362 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Counsel for Pennsylvania in this case, should furnish all the docu- 
ments in their hands on the subject. On the 8th, Mr. Bradford 
surrendered the documents in his possession, in obedience to the order, 
and the Secretary of the Supreme Executive Council informed the 
Council of Censors by letter, that the documents required of them 
had been transmitted to the General Assembly. On the following 
day, the Council of Censors passed a resolution requiring the Gene- 
ral Assembly to furnish the said documents. The Assembly pro- 
ceeded immediately into the consideration of the order, and passed 
a resolution refusing to comply with it. In consequence of this re- 
fusal on the part of the Assembly, the Council of Censors, on the 
10th of the same month, issued process against the General Assembly 
in the following words : 

" The Council of Censors in the name, and by the authority of the 
people of Pennsylvania, to the General Assembly of the State of 
Pennsylvania, Send greeting: — We demand of you that you without 
delay, or excuse, forthwith send into this Council of Censors, the 
documents and papers hereunder mentioned, now, as it is said, in 
your keeping ; that is to say, the report of the committee appointed 
the 9th of December last, to inquire into the charges contained in 
a petition from a number of the inhabitants of Wyoming, and the 
papers and affidavits accompanying the same, and the letter from 
Zebulon Butler, and others of Wyoming, read in the Supreme Exe- 
cutive Council on the 28th of May 1784, and which was by them 
transmitted to the House. 

Signed by order of the Council of Censors, now sitting in the State 
House, in the city of Philadelphia, on this 10th day of September, 
Anno Domini, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four.* 

Frederick A. Muhlenberg. 
President of the Council of Censors. 
Attest — Samuel Bryan, Secretary.''^ 

* The list of the Council of Censors wlio met in the summer of 1784 will be found to 
contain numerous names distinguislied for talents and patriotism, viz : — 
Philadelphia city — George Bryan, Thomas Fitzsimons. 
Philadelphia county — Frederick A. Muhlenberg, Arthur St. Clair.J 
Bucks county — Joseph Hart, Samuel Smith. 
Bedford county — Daniel Espy, Samuel Davidson. 
Chester county — Anthony Wayne, James Moore. 
Lancaster county — John Whitehill, Stephen Chambers. 
York county — Thomas Hartley, Richard McAllister. 
Westmoreland county— John Smiley, William Fiiiley. 
Cumberland county — James McLene, William Irvine, 



HISTORY OP WYOMING, 363 

The mandamus of the Censors was disregarded by the General As- 
sembly, and the House declined even to answer the demand ; where- 
upon the Council proceeded to make the following important decla- 
ration, or as it may well be characterized, most solemn denunciation 
of the measures pursued against the Wj'oming settlers : 

" It is the opinion of this Council, that the decision made at Tren- 
ton, early in 1783, between the State of Connecticut and this Com- 
monwealth, concerning the territorial rights of both, was favorable 
to Pennsylvania. It likewise promised the happiest consequences to 
the Confederacy, as an example was thereby set, of two contending 
sovereignties adjusting their differences in a court of justice, instead 
of involving themselves, and perhaps their confederates, in war and 
bloodshed. It is much to be regretted, that this happy event was 
not improved on the part of this State, as it might have been. That 
the persons claiming lands at, and near Wyoming, occupied by the 
emigrants from Connecticut, now become subjects of Pennsylvania, 
were not left to prosecute their claims in the proper course without 
the intervention of the Legislature. That a body of troops was 
enlisted after the Indian war had ceased, and the civil government 
had been established, and stationed at Wyoming, for no other appa- 
rent purpose than that of promoting the interests of the claimants 
under the former grants of Pennsylvania. — That these troops were 
kept up, and continued there, without the license of Congress, in 
violation of the Confederation. That they were suffered, without 
restraint, to injure and oppress the neighboring inhabitants, during 
the course of the last winter. That the injuries done to these people 
excited the compassion and interposition of the State of Connecticut, 
who thereupon demanded of Congress another hearing, in order to 
investigate the private claims of the settlers at Wyoming, formerly 
inhabitants of New England, who from this instance of partiality in 
our own rulers, have been led to distrust the justice of the State, 
when in the mean time, numbers of these soldiers and other disor- 
derly persons, in a most riotous and inhuman manner, expelled the 
New England settlers, before mentioned, from their habitations, and 
drove them towards the Delaware, through unsettled and almost 
impassable ways, leaving those unhappy outcasts to suffer every 
species of misery and distress. That this armed force, stationed as 

Berks county — James Renie, Baltzer Gehr. 
Northampton county — John Arndt, Simon Dreisbach. 
Washington county — James Edgar, John McDowell. 
Northumberland county — William Montgomery, James Potter. 



364 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

aforesaid at Wyoming, as far as we can see, without any public 
advantage in view, has cost the Commonwealth the sum of £4,460, 
and upwards, for the bare levying, providing, and paying of them, 
besides other expenditures of public moneys. That the authority 
for embodying these troops was given privately, and unknown to the 
good people of Pennsylvania, the same being directed by a mere 
resolve of the House of Assembly, brought in and read the first time 
on Monday the 22d of September, 17S3, when on motion and by 
special order, the same was read a second time and adopted. That 
the putting this resolve on the Secret Journal of the House, and con- 
cealing it from the people, after the war with the Savages had 
ceased, and the inhabitants of Wyoming had submitted to the 
Government of the State, sufficiently marks and fixes the clandestine 
and partial interests of the armament, no such condition having 
been thought necessary in the defence of the northern and western 
frontiers during the late war. And lastly, we regret the fatal exam- 
ple which this transaction has set of private persons, at least equally 
able with their opponents to maintain their own cause, procuring the 
interest of the Commonwealth in their behalf, and the aid of the 
public treasury. The opprobrium which, from hence, has resulted 
to this State, and the dissatisfaction and prospect of dissension now 
existing with one of our sister States, the violation of the Confedera- 
tion, and the injury hereby done to such of the Pennsylvania claim- 
ants of lands at Wyoming, occupied as aforesaid, as have given no 
countenance to, but on the contrary, have disavowed these extrava- 
gant proceedings. In short, we lament that our Government has in 
this business manifested little wisdom or foresight ; nor have acted 
as guardians of the rights of the people, committed to their care. 
Impressed with the multiplied evils which have sprung from the im- 
prudent management of this business, we hold it up to public censure, 
to prevent, if possible, further instances of bad government, which 
might convulse and distract our new formed nation." 

Contemptuously, and totally disregarding the proceedings of the 
Council of Censors, the Supreme Executive Council, and the Assem- 
bly, still, it is supposed, acting under the influence of the land- 
claimants, and stimulated by Col. Armstrong, whose pride was now 
combined with those motives and passions which had at first engaged 
him in the enterprise, proceeded to advance that officer, as a token 
of approbation for extraordinary merit and honorable services, to 
the rank of adjutant-general of the State, and authorized him to raise 
a competent force, from the militia of Bucks, Berks and Northamp- 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 365 

ton, with which to proceed to Wyoming, and complete the work of 
expulsion, which, there is every reason to believe he had pledged 
himself thoroughly to accomplish. But new obstacles presented 
themselves. President Dickinson, whose humanity had been shown 
in desiring supplies to be sent to the inhabitants suffering from the 
ice flood, and whose sense of justice, as well as ideas of policy, was 
shocked by the violences committed on the people, now encouraged 
by the proceedings of the Council of Censors, interposed in this feel- 
ing and impressive strain. 

" October 5th, 1784. 
" To the Supreme Executive Council. 

" Gentlemen : — Being still indisposed and unable to attend in 
Council to-day, I think it my duty, notwithstanding what has been 
already offered, to request that you will be pleased further to con- 
sider the propriety of calling a body of militia into actual service, on 
the intelligence yet received, and in the manner proposed. If the 
intention is, that the militia should assist the Pennsylvania claimants 
in securing the corn planted on the lands from which the settlers 
were expelled last Spring, such a procedure will drive those settlers 
into absolute despair. They will have no alternative but to fight for 
the corn, or suffer, perhaps to perish, for want of it in the coming 
winter. The Commissioners have informed the Council that their 
determination on that alternative will most probably be " [Here is a 
space left in the entries of this letter, in the book containing the 
minutes of the Council, over which is a long black mark drawn, as 
if some cause prevented the insertion of this part of the President's 
letter, which thus proceeds :]* " They will r.egard this step as the 
commencement of a war against them, and perhaps others, whose 
sentiments are of vastly more importance, may be of the same 
opinion. I am perfectly convinced of the uncommon merit of Col. 
Armstrong, but the appointment of an adjutant-general upon this 
occasion, and bestowing that appointment on the Secretary of the 
Council, when it is well known that the settlers view him in the 
light of an enemy, are circumstances that may promote unfavorable 
constructions of the conduct of Government. 

" The public bodies which have lately assembled in this city, have 
fully testified their disapprobation of hostilities on account of the dis- 
putes at Wyoming ; and upon the whole, there is too much reason to 

* Chapman. 



366 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

be persuaded that the plan now meditated will, if carried into exe- 
cution, produce very unhappy consequences. 

" Knowing the uprightness of your intentions, gentlemen, I feel 
great pain in dissenting from your judgment; and if the measure is 
pursued, from esteem for you, and affection for the Commonwealth, 
I have only to wish, as I most heartily do, that I may be proved by 
the event to have been mistaken." 

Signed, John Dickinson. 

The Council, on consideration of the letter from the President, 
" Resolved, That the measures adopted on the second instant, be 
pursued;" and on the same day issued a proclamation, offering a 
reward of twenty-five pounds for the apprehension of eighteen of the 
principal inhabitants, whose names were mentioned. 

No time was to be lost. An adverse storm to the Pennsylvania 
land claimants' interests was already bursting upon them, and Gen. 
Armstrong, without a moment's delay, entered on the duties of his 
renewed appointment, with his accustomed zeal. But the influences 
which had operated with such effect on the Council of Censors and 
upon President Dickinson, also pervaded the people, and the militia 
generally declined obedience to orders. The emergency was too 
pressing for delay, for if the Pennsylvania party could secure the 
fall harvest, the Yankees must abandon their possessions or perish, 
and General Armstrong hastened back to Wyoming with less than 
an hundred men, where he arrived on Sunday, the 17th of October, 
and on the very next day put his forces in motion, and made an 
attack on Brockway's, above Abraham's Creek, where Wm. Jackson 
of the Yankees, was severely wounded, Capt. Bolin of Armstrong's 
men, killed and left on the field of battle, three or four of his men 
being wounded, who were borne off in the retreat. 

This action was sharply contested on both sides for an hour. The 
Yankees occupied four log houses placed in form of a diamond. 
General Armstrong in a letter to Council deprecating his repulse, 
said; "I need scarcely observe to your Excellency, that four log 
houses, so constructed as to flank each other, became a very formi- 
dable post." 

After the attacking party had retired, Capt. Franklin seized the 
rifle of his friend William Jackson, bloody from his wound, and call- 
ing his companions in suffering around him, swore thereon a solemn 
oath " That he would never lay down his arms until death should ar- 
rest his hand, or Patterson and Armstrong be expelled from Wyoming, 



HISTORY OF WYOMlNGf. ^67 

and the people be restored to their rights of possession, and a legal 
trial guaranteed to every citizen by the constitution, by justice, and 
by law !" 

In pursuance of his settled policy, or in revenge for his defeat, 
General Armstrong the next day dispossessed thirty families, who 
had been restored or returned to their farms. In a skirmish which 
ensued, Jonathan Terry was severely wounded. The flats of King- 
ston opposite the fort, had been extensively sowed with buckwheat, 
and General Armstrong's men were now engaged in threshing out the 
abundant produce. A body of Yankees under Major Abbott, ap- 
proached the laborers undiscovered, and rushing forward, surrounded 
them before they could seize their arms, and took all the grain, wagons 
having been prepared to transport it to head quarters. Meanwhile 
the alarmed garrison paraded the cannon, but the Yankees placed 
their prisoners as a shield, and thus prevented the firing. More 
than an hundred bushels rewarded the enterprise, the supply of bread 
being very seasonable to the settlers, who had been prevented from 
sowing or reaping enough for food. The fact is mentioned by Elisha 
Harding, to the praise of Mr. John HoUenback, whose mill was in 
possession of Armstrong's men, and who was compelled to appear 
friendly to his cause, that a confidential understanding was kept up 
with the settlers, their grain ground, or flour supplied, to the utmost 
extent of his power without detection. 

The pleasing information now came that the Assembly had ordered 
the settlers to be restored to their possessions. This bears date, 
September 15, 1784, and is explained by the preamble. 

" Whereas, several persons at or near Wyoming, in the county of 
Northumberland, were in the month of May last, violently dispossess- 
ed of the messuages, lands and tenements, which they then occupied, 
and which are still detained from them by force ; and the peculiar 
circumstances of these cases require that the possession of the pre- 
mises so forcibly entered and detained, should be without delay re- 
stored to the persons who occupied them as aforesaid," 

" Be it enacted, etc." Then follows the just and benevolent enact- 
ment. 

It must appear obvious to the reader, from the proceedings of the 
Council of Censors ; from the letter of President Dickinson to the 
Supreme Executive Council ; from the refusal of the Bucks and Berks 
militia to march ; from the spirit of pity and indignation awakened 
in the public mind, and from the obstinate and successful resistance 
of the settlers ; and especially from the recent act of Assembly, that 



368 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

hostile measures against them must soon be abandoned. Armstrong 
and Patterson were recalled. 

In tracing the negotiations which took place during the year, the 
reader must have observed, that both Jenkins and Franklin, the chief 
scribes of the people, without making any pretensions to literary 
elegance, yet conveyed just and manly thoughts in a clear and 
nervous style. 

Franklin's Journal says : " November, Thursday 25. Sent two 
guineas to the prisoners, (Easton,) by Robert McDowell. 

" Saturday 27. The Pennymites evacuated the fort at 11 P. M. 

" Tuesday 30. The Yankees destroyed the fort." 

Thus have we narrated the events that transpired, to the close of 
1784 ; two years having elapsed since the transfer of jurisdiction by 
the Trenton Decree. Peace, which waved its cheering olive oi^er 
every other part of the Union, healing the wounds inflicted by ruth- 
less war — soothing the sorrows of innumerable children of affliction, 
and kindling the lamp of hope in the dark chambers of despair, came 
not to the broken-hearted people of Wyoming. The veteran soldier 
returned, but found no resting place. Instead of a joyous welcome to 
his hearth and home, he found his cottage in ruins or in possession of 
a stranger, and his wife and little ones shelterless in the open fields, 
or in the caves of the mountains ; like the ocean-tossed mariner 
approaching the wished for harbour — driven by adverse winds far, 
far from shore, to buffet again the billows and the storm. It is true 
and honorable to those who effected it, that the New England peo- 
ple were repossessed of their farms ; but a summer of exile and war 
had left them no harvest to reap, and they returned to their empty 
granaries and desolate homes, crushed by the miseries of the Indian 
invasion ; mourners over fields of more recent slaughter — destitute of 
food, with scarce clothing to cover them, through the rigours of a 
northern winter, while clouds and darkness shrouded all the future. 
Assuredly the people of Wyoming were objects of deepest commise- 
ration, and the heart must be harder and colder than marble, that 
could look upon their sufferings and not drop a tear of tenderest pity. 



LETTER XXIV. 



Sketch of John Franklin — Civil Government. 

1785. Petition to Congress for a Federal Court to try the right of soil — Proceedings of 

Congress— Spirited resolves of Pennsylvania Assembly — Interesting details — Remark- 
able conclusion — Gathering storm — David Mead, Esq., — Oliver Harmless — Revival of 
old Susquehanna Company-— 'Danger threatening — Proceedings Pennsylvania Assembly. 



Generally, the two years intervening between the close of the 
Pennymite and Yankee war, in 1784, and the erection of the con- 
tested lands into a new county towards the close of 1786, have been 
regarded as affording little to record, and less to repay the labour of 
perusal. 

To those who can only find pleasure in the ambush, and the fight; 
in the clash of arms, houses in flames ; the shout of victory and the 
wail of woe, that period may appear dull, and uninteresting. So 
far otherwise, we confidently aver, will it be found by the philo- 
sophical reader, who searches for the springs of action, and delights 
to trace important consequences to their remote, or originating causes, 
that he will regard it as among the most interesting in the course of 
our annals. 

In the preceding letter, the oath, not less solemn than that of 
Hannibal, taken by Franklin on the bloody rifle of his wounded 
friend, has been recorded. It was no unmeaning ceremony, nor 
sudden impulse, but the deliberate pregnant appeal to heaven, of a 
man of powerful mind, deeply impressed with the wrongs of his 
people, and resolved to protect and avenge them. This extraordi- 
nary man, for thirty years the prime and popular leader of the Yan- 
kee interest in northeastern Pennsylvania, already distinguished, 
and destined to become eminently conspicuous, deserves a more for- 
mal introduction. 

John Franklin w^as a native of Canaan, Litchfield county, Connec- 
ticut. An instance of his remarkable memory, when a lad of seven- 
teen, will show that he was no ordinary boy. Having accompanied 
24 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

the family to the place of worship, the meeting house being only en- 
closed, but neither ceiled nor plastered, the beams and rafters were 
all exposed to view. John saw that his austere father sat through 
the sermon with great uneasiness, but could not divine the cause. 
On returning home, " John," said his father, " it is my duty to give 
vou a severe thrashing, (common in old times,) and you shall have 
it presently, so prepare yourself." " But you won't whip me, father, 
without telling me what for?" "No, certainly — your conduct at 
meeting, sir, is the cause. Instead of attending to the sermon, you 
were all the while gaping about as if you were counting the beams 
and rafters of the meeting house." " Well, father, can you repeat 
the sermon V " Sermon ! no. I had as much as I could do to 
watch your inattention." If I'll tell you all the minister said, you 
won't whip me? "No, John, no; but that is impossible." — Young 
Franklin immediately named the text, and taking up the discourse, 
went through every head of it with surprising accuracy. " Upon 
my word," said the delighted parent, " I should not have thought it." 
" x\nd now, father," said John, " I can tell you exactly how many 
beams and rafters there are in the meeting house." His ever spring- 
ing affection for this parent is beautifully evinced by his journal. 
Almost every other page has the entry, " tvrote a letter to father ." 

Not long after removing to Wyoming, his wife died, leaving three 
small children, one an infant of a week old. Having no person to 
take care of them he determined to place them in charge of his kind 
friends in Canaan. Harnessing a horse to a little cart, he put in the 
three children, tied a cow by the horns, to follow, and drove on, 
having a cup in which, as occasion required, he milked, and fed the 
ibabe. Thus he traveled the rough way, more than two hundred 
■miles, in safety, exhibiting all the patience and tenderness that 
might be expected from a mother. 

Some may be curious to learn the appearance of this extraordinary 
man. Of excellent proportions, nearly six feet in height, thick set, 
and well knit, he seemed built for strength and endurance, without 
being too heavy to be active. His courage was unquestionable. 
'Elisha Harding, Esq., who was an associate with him through those 
'times of trial, says : — " He was as brave a man as ever carried a 
gun." The small pox had treated him roughly, his face being much 
^pitted, yet his countenance was not unpleasing. One peculiar fea- 
ture was the upper lip, which was long, and the indentation in the 
centre, from the nose to the mouth, remarkably deep. The chin 
and lower part of the face were full of manly expression. His com- 



EIISTORY OF WYOMING. 371 

plexioR was florid, the hair light, if not inclining to red, showing the 
high Saxon blood. Open, frank, fond of talking, full of anecdote, the 
Connecticut claim, and the sufferings of the settlers, his hobby, Col. 
Franklin would visit from house to house, from neighborhood to 
neighborhood, taking a circuit of miles, never in a hurry, yet always 
busy, tarrying a night with one, spending a day with another ; the 
neighbours, hearing CoK Franklin had come, men, women and chil- 
ren gathering in to hear him ; he would inform, argue, arouse, and 
cheer, in aid of the cause to which he had devoted his life ; and 
every where was thrice and cordially welcome. Ambitious he 
certainly was. The love of popularity became his ruling passion, 
nor did he woo the pleasing and delusive gale in vain. For thirty 
years he was the idol of the people whose interests he especially es- 
poused, and they would mutually and cheerfully have died for each 
other. As a public speaker, fond to display his knowledge, and not 
averse to behold a crowd listening to his voice, he could make no 
pretensions to eloquence ; yet he rarely failed to command atten- 
tion, even from the learned and accomplished, for he exhibited a 
thorough knowledge of his subject, a surprising memory, day, date, 
names, the purport of every document being stated by him, without 
referring to paper or note, with an accuracy rarely equaled. Earn- 
est, often vehement, his whole soul seemed to be in the matter. He 
quoted no poetry, attempted no flight of the imagination, but illus- 
trated his subject by an occasional quotation from scripture, and the 
introduction of popular aphorisms. After remaining many years a 
widower, he married Mrs. Bidlack, daughter of Capt. Fuller, whose 
husband, Capt. James Bidlack, had fallen in the battle. 

Immediately after the garrison was withdrawn and the people re- 
stored to their possessions, committees were appointed in the inter- 
regnum of law, to regulate affairs in the settlement, adjust controver- 
sies, punish offenders and preserve order. Town meetings, not 
" legally warned," but informally called together, were holden, and 
taxes collected ; while the militia were organized with a good deal 
of care, and led to a choice of officers. At a general parade in 
Shawney, Capt. Franklin was elected to the command of the regi- 
ment, and thenceforward was called through life by the well-known 
appellation of Col. Franklin. 

The first object of the settlers, both ostensible and real, was to 
obtain a trial for the right of soil. What ulterior scheme Colonel 
Franklin had then devised, will appear in the sequel. Petitions pre- 
pared to the Assembly of Connecticut, praying their interposition, 



g72 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

bad been sent forward. Ardent, indefatigable, the rifle resting on 
his knee, he knew well the power, and kept the pen in motion. 
"Wrote to William S. Johnson, Jesse Root and Eliphalet Dyer."' 
" Sent a letter to Esquire Antis." " Wrote a letter to the Justices of 
the Supreme Court." " Sent by Zerah Beach, Esq., copies of letters 
to the Governor of Connecticut and the committee." Wrote to 
Esquire Grey." "Wrote to Major Smith." "Wrote to Major 
Smith." And these entries are made in his journal, intermixed with 
constant skirmishing, fighting and dying, and show the earnestness 
with which he devoted himself to the cause. 

After the proceedings of the Council of Censors, the Connecticut 
Assembly, saying they had no jurisdiction, yet powerfully solicited 
by the settlers, and their petitions being sustained by the Susque- 
hanna Company and friends at home, too numerous and influential 
to be wholly disregarded, passed a resolution that the settlers ought! 
to have the advantage of a fair trial, and also requesting Governor 
Griswold to write ta the Governmenl of Pennsylvania in their be- 
half The letter was just and appropriate, and doubtless not with- 
out salutary influence. 

Petitions to Congress having before been presented, were now re- 
newed, and as this seems the most fitting place to trace the extra- 
ordinary action of that honorable body, we shall do so without in- 
terruption to the close. 

Col. Franklin set out on the 6th of March, 1785, for New York, a& 
agent of the settlers. Preceding this time, the following action had 
taken place 5 — 

Friday, January 23, 1784. 

" Congress assembled : Present — Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and 
South Carolina ; and from the State of New Jersey, Mr. Beatty, 
and from Delaware, Mr. Tiltoo. 

" On the report of the committee, consisting of Mr. Jefferson, Mr. 
Lee and Mr. Williamson, to whom was referred a petition of Zebulon 
Butler and others, claiming under the State of Connecticut, private 
right of soil within the territory westward of the Delaware, formerly 
in controvorsy between the said State and that of Pennsylvania, 
and lately determined by a court, constituted and appointed agreeably 
to the ninth of the articles of confederation and perpetual union, 
to be within the jurisdiction of the State of Pennsylvania, complain- 
ing that they are disturbed in their right by others, claiming under 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 373 

the said State of Pennsylvania, and praying that a court may be in- 
stituted under the ninth article of the confederation, for determining 
the said right, 

" Resolved^ That a court be instituted according to the said ninth 
article of the confederation, for determining the private right of soil 
within the said territory, so far as the same is by the said article 
submitted to the determination of such a court. 

" That the fourth Monday in June next, be assigned for the ap- 
pearance of the parties, by their lawful agents before Congress, or the 
Committee of the States, wheresoever they shall be then sitting. 

" That notice of the assignment of the said day, be given to the 
parties in the following form : — 

" To the claimanits of the private right of soil within the territory 
westward of the Delaware, heretofore in controversy between the 
States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and adjudged by the sen- 
tence of a court constituted and appointed agreeably to the ninth of 
the articles of confederation and perpetual union, to be within the 
jurisdiction of the State of Pennsylvania, it is hereby made known: 
That sundry individuals claiming private right of soil under the 
State of Connecticut, within the said territory, have made application 
to Congress, stating that they have been disturbed in their said right 
of soil by others, claiming under the State of Pennsylvania ; and 
praying for the institution of a court for determining the said private 
right of soil, in pursuance of the ninth article of confederation: 
And that the fourth Monday in June nest is assigned for the ap- 
pearance of the parties by their lawful agents before Congress, or a 
Committee of the States, wheresoever they shall be then sitting, to 
proceed in the premises as by the confederation is directed. 

By order of Congress. 

Charles Thomson, Secretary. 

" Resolved, That the said notice be transmitted by the secretary, 
to the Executives of the States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, with 
a request that they will take proper measures for having the same 
served on the parties interested under their States respectively." 

"Saturday, April 24, 1784. 

Congress assembled : Present as yesterday. 

A motion was made by Mr. Hand, seconded by Mr. Montgomery, 
in the words following : 



374 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

"Whereas, Congress have by their resolution of the 23d day of 
January last, on the petition of Zebulon Sutler, and others, directed 
the institution of a court to determine the private right of soil within 
the territory westward of the Delaware, formerly in dispute between 
the states of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, agreeably to the ninth 
of the articles of confederation, and have assigned the fourth Monday 
in June next, for the appearance of the parties by their lawful agents, 
before Congress or a committee of the states, to proceed in the pre- 
mises, as by the confederation is directed. And whereas, the General 
Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania have, by their resolutions of 
the 14th day of February last, instructed their delegates in Congress, 
as follows : 

[" In General Assembly, Saturday, February 14, 1784, A. M. 

Resolved, 1st. That the delegates of this State be instructed to 
apply immediately to Congress for an explanation of their act of the 
23d day of last month, it appearing to be uncertain whether the 
fourth Monday in June next is fixed for the purpose of appointing 
commissioners or judges to constitute a court for hearing, and deter- 
mining the matter in question, or for the purpose of deciding how far 
the same is, by the ninth article of confederation, submitted to the 
determination of such a court. 

" 2d. That if Congress by their said act meant the appointment 
of commissioners or judges next June, then the said delegates move 
for a reconsideration of the said act, and represent to Congress, that 
the agents for the stale of Connecticut did, upon the late trial at 
Trenton, suggest to the court there, that the tenants in possession of 
the lands in controversy, and particularly the companies of Delaware 
and Susquehanna, were improving and holding large tracts of land 
under title from the State of Connecticut; and that by the same article 
of confederation, a court is to be established for the trial of the 
private right of soil, only where it is claimed, under different 
grants of two or more states, so that Zebulon Butler and the other 
claimants cannot be entitled to such a court, unless they come within 
the description aforesaid, which it is apprehended they do not. That 
if Congress should consent to establish courts at the instance of per- 
sons, not first proving themselves to be included in the description 
aforesaid, the citizens of this State may be harrassed by a multitude 
of pretended claims at the suit of adventurers or invaders of the state, 
and in the present instance at the suit of persons who have settled 
in defiance of the resolution of Congress of the 23d day of Decem- 
ber, 1775. 



HISTORY OF WYOM I iNG. 375 

3d. That if Congress shall resolve that the matter in question is, 
by the said article of the confederation, submitted to the determina- 
tion of such a court, then the said delegates insist that Zebulon Butler, 
and the other claimants, be required, immediately, to exhibit to Con- 
gress schedules particularizing their claims."] 

Then proceeds the resolution of Mr. Hand. 

" Resolved, That it was the intention of Congress, by their act of 
the 23d day of January last, that commissioners or judges should be 
appointed on the fourth Monday in June next, agreeably to the ninth 
of the articles of confederation, to determine the private right of sod 
within the territory westward of the Delaware, formerly in contro- 
versy between the States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and lately 
determined to be within the jurisdiction of the State of Pennsylvania. 
Nevertheless, as the petitioners aforesaid have not shown to Congress 
that their claims to the private right of soil, within the territory 
aforesaid, originate from grants obtained from the state of Connecti- 
cut,* which alone can entitle them to a court, agreeably to the ninth of 
the articles of confederation. Resolved, that the resolution of the 
23d day of January last, directing the institution of a court for de- 
termining the private right of soil within the territory westward of 
the Delaware, formerly in controversy between the States of Con- 
necticut and Pennsylvania, and appointing the fourth Monday in 
June next for the appearance of the parties, by their lawful agents, 
before Congress, or a Committee of the States, be, and it is hereby 
suspended, until Zebulon Butler, and the other petitioners claimants 
as aforesaid, exhibit to Congress, or a Committee of the States, 
schedules, particularizing their claims. Resolved, that the parties, 
claimants as aforesaid, be informed, that their appearance by their 
agents before Congress, or a Committee of the States, as specified by 
the resolution of Congress of the 23d day of January last, will not be 
necessary, until the further determinations of Congress, or a Com- 
mittee of the States, in the premises, be made known to them." 

A motion was made by Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Montgomery, 
that the foregoing motion be committed ; and on the question for com- 
mitment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Hand. 

N. Hampshire. Massachusetts. 

Mr. Foster, ay ) Mr. Gerry, ay ) 

Blanchard, ay ) " Patridge, ay ) ^ 

* This, notwithstanding the authorized agents of Connecticut had twice officially stated at 
the Trenton trial, that tlie Wyoming settlers derived their claim from Connecticut, and that 
eolemn declaration was recorded on the Journals of Congress. 



376 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 





Rhode Island. 








Maryland. 


Mr. 


Ellery, 


no } 


div. 


Mr. 


Stone, 




Howell, 


ay ) 




Chase, 




Connecticut. 








Virginia. 


Mr. 


Sherman, 


no ) 




Mr. 


Jefferson, 




Wadsworth, 


no \ 


no 




Hardy, 




New York. 








Mercer, 


Mr. 


Da Witt, 


ay I 






Monroe, 




Paine, 


ay i 


ay 




N. Carolina. 




New Jersey. 






Mr. 


Williamson, 


Mr. 


Beatty, 


no ) 


div. 




Spaight, 




Dick, 


ay i 




S. Carolina. 




Pennsylvania 






Mr. 


Read, 


Mr. 


Mifflin, 


ay) 
ay> 
ay ) 






Beresford, 




Montgomery, 


ay 








Hand, 









ay 
ay 



ay 



ay^ 

^^ >ay 
ay f ^ 

ayj 



ay 
ay 

ay 
ay 



ay 



ay 



" So it was resolved to commit it." 

Certainly the resolutions of the Pennsylvania Assembly are drawn 
with consummate ability. Whether the cogency of reasoning, or other 
causes then in operation, produced the decision, the impartial reader 
must determine. At a subsequent session, 

" Wednesday, September 21, 1785. 

Congress resumed the consideration of the letter of the 24th of 
December, 1784, from the Governor of Connecticut, stating claims 
of settlers of Wyoming, with a copy of a memorial of sundry inhabi- 
tants at Wyoming, and a copy of the proceedings of the Legislature 
of Connecticut relative thereto, which was the subject of debate on 
Monday and Tuesday. 

And a motion having been made by the State of Pennsylvania, 
in the words following : — 

" Are the proceedings on the first application of the persons al- 
leged to be settlers at Wyoming, continued and in force, notwith- 
standing the non-appearance of the applicants on the 28th of June, 
1784, and the recess of Congress and the Committee of the States, at 
that time. 

A motion was made by Mr. King, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to 
postpone that motion in order to take up the following : — 

"Whereas, on the fourth Monday of June, 1784, being the day 
assigned for the appearance of the parties under the act of Congress 
of the 23d of January, 1784, upon the petition of Zebulon Butler 
and others, claiming under the State of Connecticut, private right 
of soil within the jurisdiction of the State of Pennsylvania, Congress 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 377 

were then in recess, and a quorum of the committee of the States, 
did not assemble, 

" Resolved, That further day be given to the parties, and that 
the Monday of be assigned for the appearance of the 

parties by their lawful agents before Congress, wheresoever they 
shall be then sitting ; or if Congress shall not on that day be in 
session, then on the day of their session next following the said 
Monday of that notice of the assignment of the said day, be 

given to the parties in the following form:" etc. — 

" On the question to postpone for the purpose aforesaid, the yeas 
and nays being required by Mr. Wilson, 

" It was resolved in the affirmative. 

" After debate, the motion before the House was withdrawn by the 
mover, and a motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Pettit, 
as follows : — 

" Whereas, the petition of Zebulon Butler and others, claiming pri- 
vate risht of soil under the State of Connecticut, and within the 
jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, doth not describe 
with sufficient certainty the tract of land claimed by the said Zebulon 
Butler and others, nor particularly name the private adverse claim, 
under grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 

Resolved, That the resolutions of Congress of the 23d day of 
January, 1784, relative to the claim of Zebulon Butler and others, 
be, and hereby are repealed. 

" A motion was made by Mr. Read, seconded by Mr. Grayson, to 
postpone that motion, in order to take up the following : — 

Whereas, the United States in Congress assembled, on the 23d 
day of January, 1784, on the petition of Zebulon Butler and others, 
claiming under the State of Connecticut, private right of soil within 
the territory westward of the Delaware, formerly in controversy 
between the said State and that of Pennsylvania, and lately deter- 
mined by a court constituted and appointed agreeably to the 9th of 
the articles of confederation and perpetual union, to be within the 
jurisdiction of the State of Pennsylvania, complaining that they 
are disturbed in their right, by others claiming under the said 
State of Pennsylvania, and praying that a court may be instituted 
under the 9th article of the confederation for determining the said 
right, 

" Resolved, That a court be instituted according to the said 9th 
article of the confederation for determining the private right of soil 
within the said territory, so far as the same is by the said articles 
submitted to the determination of such a court. That the fourth 



378 HISTORY OP WYOMING, 

Monday in June next be assigned for the appearance of the parties 
by their lawful agents before Congress or tlie Committee of the 
States, wheresoever they shall then be sitting." And whereas, on 
the said fourth Monday in June, Congress was not in session, and a 
sufficient number of the Committee of the States, appointed by Con- 
gress on the 29th day of May, 1784, did not assemble on the said 4th 
Monday in June ; and whereas, it does not appear to the United 
States in Congress assembled, that on the said 4th Monday in June, 
1784, either the parties petitioning, or the claimants of the private 
right of soil under the State of Pennsylvania, did appear at the city of 
Annapolis, to prosecute or defend their respective rights ; therefore 

" Resolved, That the force of the said recited resolution of the 
23d of January, 1784, is determined, and that the same resolution 
ought not to be considered at the present day as having any validity 
or effect." 

" And on the question to postpone for the purpose above mentioned, 
the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Wilson, it passed in the 
negative. 

" A motion was then made by Mr. Pinckney, seconded by Mr. 
Johnson, to postpone the consideration of the motion before the 
House, in order to take into consideration the motion moved by Mr. 
King, as before recited, and which was withdrawn. 

" And on the question to postpone for the purpose mentioned, the 
yeas and nays being required by Mr. Wilson, it passed in the negative. 

" On the question to agree to the motion before the House, the 
yeas and nays being required by Mr. Wilson, it was resolved in the 
affirmative, as follows : — 

" Whereas, the petition of Zebulon Butler and others, claiming 
private right of soil under the State of Connecticut, and within the 
jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, doth not describe 
with sufficient certainty the tract of land claimed by the said Zebulon 
Butler and others, nor particularly name the private adverse claims 
under grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 

" Resolved, That the resolutions of Congress, of the 23d day of 
January, 1784, relative to the claim of Zebulon Butler and others, be, 
and hereby are repealed." 

The unanimity was remarkable, every State but two voting affir- 
matively. New Hampshire, interested in the Vermont grants, and 
Connecticut being obliged to do so, to save appearances, a powerful 
interest at home being concerned. It might have been supposed that 
the Wyoming people should have notice and time to amend their 
plea. It might have been supposed that the questions whether 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 379 

" Z. Butler and others," had with sufficient accuracy set forth their 
boundaries, was one, not for Congress, but the court to decide. If no 
Wyoming settler could have a trial until he could say with certainty 
who was the adverse claimant, a matter it was almost impossible 
he could know or ascertain, his chance was hopeless. 

If, on the other hand, a secret understanding prevailed through- 
out Congress, that Pennsylvania, by a previous arrangement with 
Connecticut, was to possess all within her charter, the settlers being 
at her mercy, and Connecticut to receive an equivalent west ; and 
now, after the renewed troubles at Wj^oming, if secret pledges were 
given that a more liberal course should be pursued towards the unfor- 
tunate inhabitants, then the resolution, otherwise so extraordinary, is 
easy, plain, and perfectly comprehensible. Certain it is that imme- 
diately thereafter, the course of policy pursued by Pennsylvania as- 
sumed an aspect of conciliation and justice, interrupted, it is true, by 
violent efforts of her land claimants to stimulate the government to 
renew coercive measures against the settlers ; but those efforts M'ere 
in vain, and the State, in sincerity it is believed, resolved, by equita- 
ble terms of compromise, to quiet those claimants in their possessions 
who inhabited Wyoming before the Decree of Trenton. But the 
seeds of violent commotion, if not of revolution, were already sown. 
Tne fruit will be seen in the sequel.* 

*A very curious matter demands notice. In Col. Franklin's accurate and invaluable 
Journal, proceedings of Congress are recorded, which the journals of that botly do not no- 
tice. New York, Thursday, September 23, 1785, Messrs. John Franklin, Ebenezer John-^ 
son, Phineas Pierce and Lord Butler, (presented a petition) "to know the grounds and 
reasons of the resolve of Congress of the 21st; and to be quiet in our possessions at Wyo- 
ming, until a petition could be brought in, and a decision had thereon." Mr. Butler set 
off for Wyoming; send letters. 

"Friday 23d, our petitions referred to Col. Johnson of Connecticut, Mr. Smith of New 
York, and Mr. Bedford of Delaware." 

" 26th and 27th, waiting on Congress." 

" 28th. This day the committee report in favour of our petition. That the repeal of the 
resolution of Congress was founded in the insufficiency of the allegations, and defective de- 
scription of the lands in controversy, and was not intended to foreclose the proprietors, settlers 
and claimants of lands at and near Wyoming, for the appointment of a Federal court to try 
their riglits of soil, to the land included in the purchase made of the natives by the Susque- 
hanna and Delaware Companies, by tiie leave and approbation of the then colony of Connec- 
ticut, when a petition shall be brought describing the land, and naming the adverse claimant 
vvitli due degree of certainty." " The report was disapproved." 

" Friday, Sept. 30th. Report reconsidered, but nothing done." 

" Monday, October 3d. The report reconsidered, but was lost for the want of one vote 
to carry the resolve. Thus the Connecticut settlers were "shufHed off," denied a trial by the 
interposition of unreasonable obstacles. Pierce and Johnson set oft' for Wilkesbarre. Friday 
7th. I setoff (or White Plains. 8th. To Danbury, &c.," making a fourth journey to Connec- 
ticut within the year. Truly Col. Franklin may be termed the "Indefatigable," 



380 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Col. Franklin, comprehending the hopelessness of any favorable 
action on the part of Congress, pursued his way to Connecticut, 
and mingling with his old friends and the active members of the Sus- 
quehanna Company, visited — talked — proposed — suggested — opened 
to the ambitious new scenes of honour — to the young, an exciting if 
not a noble field for enterprise, — to all a sou.-ce of wealth, in the rich 
and widely extended limits of the Connecticut claim on the Susque- 
hanna. Pennsylvania, all branches of her government united, and 
with a military force upon the ground, had not been able to dis- 
possess a handful of settlers from the Wyoming Valley. The wrongs 
suffered by those people had awakened universal sympathy. Public 
sentiment, a host in itself, was in favour of the Connecticut claim. 
What could Pennsylvania do, if the Susquehanna and Delaware 
Companies resumed the making of grants, and New England poured 
on a stream of hardy adventurers, and took possession of the land? 
By the Hampshire grants, Vermont had been successfully settled and 
defended in spite of all the power of New York, close neighbours, 
whereas the settlements of Pennsylvania were separated from those 
of Wyoming, by mountains and forests extremely difficult to pene- 
trate. A chord was struck that vibrated through all New England. 
Franklin, in the spirit of his oath, infused his own soul, glowing with 
resentment and ambition, into the people with whom he conversed, 
from which most important consequences resulted ; and had not his 
schemes been counteracted by a timely and prudent change of policy 
on the part of her authorities, Pennsylvania had lost her fair northern 
possessions, or by new civil war, extinguished the Connecticut claim 
in blood. 

On Col. Franklin's return, April 24th, having been absent nearly 
two months, a town meeting [not " legally warned "] was held, and 
the people given to understand that movements in their behalf might 
be expected from abroad. On the 30th, in company with Messrs. 
Pierce and Johnson, he warned Van Gorder, one of the few Pennsyl- 
vania settlers remaining, to quit the land. Monday, May 2d, a meet- 
ing of the Wilkesbarre proprietors was holden ; and on the 14th, 
Col. Franklin again set off for Connecticut, to attend an expected 
meeting of the Susquehanna Company at Hartford. The inert mass 
was not yet sufficiently warmed, to be moved to his wishes. Doubts 
and fears seem to have hung around and retarded the action of the 
prudent Yankees. No meeting had been called ; the committee, still 
slumbering, had neglected to give the proper notice. Supported 
especially by Maj. Wm. Judd, of Farmington, Col. Franklin went 
from town to town, to Windham, to Hartford, to Watertovvn, to Col- 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 381 

Chester; and again to Hartford, where, from the public records he 
took copies of papers to aid him in sustaining the Connecticut claim, 
which he every where preached with apostolic zeal. 

Having now made arrangements for a meeting of the company in 
July, he hastened back to Wyoming, where he arrived on the 29lh 
of June. Immediately a town meeting was called, the people ad- 
dressed, and encouraged to be firm in defence of their rights. 

Among the few who still held the lands they occupied, under title 
derived from Pennsylvania, was David Meade, Esq., who was seated 
on the farm a mile below the Court House, on the Carey Town road, 
a charming situation, to be sought for with eagerness, and to be 
abandoned with reluctance. Justice Meade was one of the earliest 
Connecticut settlers, the accurate surveyor of Wilkesbarre. During 
the war he had removed to near Fort Augusta, as a place of greater 
security, where, undergoing a change of principles or opinions, he 
made up his mind to take part with the Pennsylvania land claimants, 
against his old Wyoming neighbours. At Patterson's election, as has 
been related, he was appointed one of the Justices of Peace, and 
being commissioned, removed to Wilkesbarre. His conduct as 
a magistrate seemed to have been marked by forbearance, and as a 
man, often by kindness. The Yankees frequently appealed to him, 
when in distress, and he yielded his good offices in their favour. Tall, 
slender, bent a little forward, with a countenance mild, and of a grave 
deportment, Justice Meade was calculated, under other circum- 
stances, and in less boisterous times, to have been a favorite. But 
it could illy be brooked, that one of Patterson's Justices should hold 
possessions under the " Pennymite claim," as it was termed, on the 
rich bottom lands of Wilkesbarre too, and he a renegade and traitor 
from the Yankee ranks; moreover, and probably with justice he was 
regarded as still the agent of the land claimants, and a spy on the 
conduct of the Connecticut people. His expulsion was, therefore, 
under the new spirit awakened by Col. Franklin on his return, deter- 
mined on. Rising one morning Mr. Meade beheld a dozen men 
mowing his meadow, and all orders to desist, or requests for explana- 
tion, were equally disregarded ; they went on openly and carted off 
the hay. A warrant was forthwith issued, and several arrested on a 
charge of riot, and brought before Justice Meade. Evasive answers 
to his questions were given by those whom he knew, and first inter- 
rogated. "And who are you, Sir?" said he, to one whom he was 
not acquainted with, " and what have you to say for yourself?" " My 



382 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

name," said the fellow, with affected simplicity, " is Oliver Harmless,* 
and if I ever did you any good in the world, I am sorry for it." A 
burst of laughter followed this sally, when Mason F. Alden spoke up 
and said, " Squire Meade, it is you or us ; Pennymites and Yankees 
can't live together in Wyoming. Our lines don't agree. We give 
you fair notice to quit, and that shortly." Meade immediately called 
to his aid thirty or forty men, and having garrisoned his house, re- 
solved to defend himself. Writs were obtained against the rioters, 
and Maj. Crawford, as Sheriffs Deputy, was sent up from Sunbury ; 
but finding it difficult to serve them, left the writs with Col. Butler, 
that he might request the persons to go voluntarily to Sunbury, and 
give themselves up, or enter bail. Displeased with this lenient course, 
complaint was made by Meade against Sheriff Antis, and the parties 
were cited before the authorities in Philadelphia, Capt. Shott being 
called to attend as a witness. On the return of Justice Meade, the 
cannon, that terrible four pounder, was paraded before his house, 
and on Monday, the 8th of August, he retired with his men from the 
Valley, leaving, it is believed, no Pennsylvania claimant on the Wy- 
oming lands. We have been more particular in tracing these events, 
from the character and consequence of the gentleman concerned, both 
on the Susquehanna, and as the founder of the fine town of Meadville, 
in Crawford County, the scite of which, then a wilderness, was allotted 
to him as an indemnity for his losses at Wyoming. The Assembly 
also, by an Act of Sept, 22, 1785, in consideration that " he was 
requested to continue there (at Wyoming,) as long as possible, by 
which means he has been subjected to heavy expenses in giving infor- 
mation to the Government, and other matters," &c., provided, ♦' That 
the Supreme Executive Council be, and they are hereby authorized 
to draw an order on the Treasurer of the State, for the sum of sixty- 
seven pounds, and three pence, the balance due him." What seemed 
an evil, thus proved to him a singular advantage ; wealth beyond his 
fondest imaginings, having resulted from his expulsion. 

A month having been occupied in dispossessing Meade, Colonel 
Franklin had, in the mean time, made his third visit within five 
months, to Connecticut, and must have traveled nearly two thousand 
miles. The meeting of the Susquehanna Company was holden at 
Hartford on the 13th of July, 1785. No moderator is named — no 
clerk appointed. Instead of the usual title, it is styled, " A meeting 

* Ephraim M'Coy was his real name. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 383 

of the Proprietors, Purchasers and Settlers of the land on the Sus- 
quehanna river, under the countenance and title of the State of Con- 
necticut, legally warned," etc. It is a State paper of altogether too 
much consequence to be omitted, or passed lightly over ; nor can it 
be regarded as much less than a manifesto of war. Malign and por- 
tentous to the State, as were its apparent indications, it proved most 
benign and salutary in its ultimate elFects, for from thence sprung 
those measures, and that course of policy, that has peopled north- 
eastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna and Brad- 
ford counties, with so great a portion of hardy, moral, industrious 
New Englanders, faithful to the laws, ready, with cheerfulness, if 
necessary, to fight and die for the good old Commonwealth ; who 
have by unremitting toil, caused a rugged wilderness to blossom like 
the rose, thus showing, that 

" Though man proposes, 
God disposes." 

The chief part of proceedings we copy. 

" At a meeting of the Proprietors, Purchasers and Settlers of the 
land on the Susquehanna river, under the countenance and title of 
the State of Connecticut, legally warned and held at Hartford, 
July 13, A. D., 1785. 

This meeting taking into consideration the situation of their claim, 
the large sums of money expended in the purchase, settlement and 
defence of the same, and the justice of their claim to the said land, 
do resolve : — 

1. That the purchase they made of the Indian natives, proprietors 
of said lands, was fair, bona fide, and for a valuable considera- 
tion paid previous to any other purchase of said lands from said In- 
dians. 

2. That at the time of making said purchase, there was not, nor 
ought there ever to have been, a doubt respecting the right of Con- 
necticut to the jurisdiction and right of pre-emption of that territory, 
the charter and letters patent to Connecticut being in fact eighteen 
years prior to the patent to Sir William Penn, which in terms the 
most explicit did cover said lands. 

3. That in confidence in the Charter of Connecticut, which they 
judged to be as sure and secured as the solemn acts of any pub- 
lic body can be, and with the countenance and approbation of the 
colony of Connecticut, they made the purchase and settlement afore- 



S84 HISTORY OP WYOxMING. 

said, and have at vast expense of blood and treasure, purchased and 
defended their possessions against the common enemy to the great 
emolument and security of the United States. 

4. That although the Court constituted to determine the right of 
jurisdiction between the States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, 
have astonished the world with the decision in favour of Pennsylva- 
nia, yet our right to those lands in possession, as founded in law and 
justice, is clear and unquestionable ; and we cannot and will not 
give it up. 

5. That the conduct of the State and people of Pennsylvania, 
towards the proprietors of the lands on the river Susquehanna, in 
consequence of the decree of Trenton, in A. D. 1782, was impolitic, 
unjust, and tyrannical, and has a tendency to interrupt the harmony 
of the Stales. 

Voted — That this Company will support their claim and right of 
soil, to all lands laying on the waters of the river Susquehanna, 
included in the Deed of Purchase from the Six Nations of Indians, 
native owners, and proprietors thereof, and confirmed to said Com- 
pany by the Legislature of the State of Connecticut, agreeeble to the 
laws of said State, and that the Committee of said Company be, and 
they are hereby authorized to dispose of all non-resident delinquent 
proprietors' rights, who have or shall neglect to pay their taxes, 
agreeable to the vote of said Company, taking the previous steps 
pointed out in the act of Assembly regulating the same. 

Voted — That this Company will support the proprietors, owners, 
settlers, and claimers of the country aforesaid, in their new applica- 
tion to Congress for a trial of the right of soil, agreeable to the 
second paragraph of the ninth article of the Confederation of the 
United States of America, and that we will protect our settlers in 
said country from all lawless outrage, unjustifiable and wanton 
depredations of property or personal abuse, whether under counte- 
nance of law, or otherwise, until such their right is judicially deter- 
mined. 

Voted — That every able-bodied and effective man, approved by 
any one of the Company's Committee, not being a proprietor, and 
that will repair to Wyoming, submit himself to the orders of this 
Company, and their Committee at that place, shall become a half 
share proprietor in said Company, entitled to all the benefits of any 
proprietor thereof, that has paid his full taxes to this time, provided 
he remains in said country for the space of three years, and do not 
depart therefrom without the permission of such Committee ; and 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 385 

also provided that such half share proprietors do not exceed four 
hundred, and provided they arrive there by the first day of October 
next. 

Voted, that Col. Ebenezer Gray, Col. Thomas Dyer, Ralph Pome- 
roy, Esq., Timothy Edwards, Esq., John Franklin, Esq., Ludwick 
Updike, Esq., Mr. Moses Sherrard, Joseph Hamilton, Esq., Zerah 
Beach, Esq., Col. Zebulon Butler, Obadiah Gore, Esq., and Captain 
Samuel Street, be, and they are hereby appointed committee men, in 
addition to the standing committee of this company. 

Voted, that the standing committee be, and they are fully autho- 
rized to dispose of six hundred rights in said general tract of country, 
for the use of said company, using their discretion therein, and to 
account when required; and the clerk of said company is hereby di- 
rected to furnish said committee with such number of certificates, as 
they or any of them shall require, not to exceed the number of 600 
in the whole, each committee man to be accountable for the number 
he receives. 

Voted, this company will circumspectly conform themselves to all 
decisions of their claim constitutionally had, but, at the same time, 
cannot omit despising the treatment this State met with upon a for- 
mer trial, the secretion of material papers by our opponents, until 
after the trial was over; and being fully assured the New England 
ancient royal charters were the only ground of the northern and 
western extensions of the United States, in the settlements of the late 
peace with Great Britain, viz., as far south as the completion of the 
40th degree of northern latitude, cannot content themselves with idle 
speculations only, and tamely yield a tract of country, the grant of 
their ancestors, that purchased, of themselves, established by the only 
Legislature on earth that had right to confirm the same, and defended 
through a long and cruel w^ar, at an amazing expense of property, 
and the lives of more than one thousand settlers." 

A tax of one dollar on every whole share, and half a dollar on 
every half share right was then imposed, and the meeting dissolved, 
with no other attestation of its proceedings than their being tran- 
scribed into the book of records. 

*' Half share rights," much spoken of in early times, were now ex- 
tensively used as a bounty for enlistment. " Every able bodied and 
eflfective man," who M'ould move on to the land, " submit himself to 
the orders of the company," was to be entitled to a half share, the 
quantity of land exceeding two thousand acres: three hundred acres 
only to be located in a township. 
25 



386 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Immediately on Col. Franklin's return, he called a meeting of the 
inhabitants at Kingston, and addressed them, explaining what had 
been done at Hartford. Proceeding to Plymouth, the settlers were 
called together; from thence he crossed over to Nanticoke, or Hanover; 
and thus journeying from town to town, public meetings were holden, 
contemplated measures, as far as politic, explained, and the people 
prepared for action. Adventurers were invited to enlist, or accept 
half share rights, on the terms proposed, and numbers received the 
bounty,Col. Franklin being engaged several days in issuing certificates. 

It would be an imputation on the vigilance and sagacity of Pennsyl- 
vania, to suppose that these proceedings were not known to, and 
watched by her with jealous solicitude. What could she do to avert 
the threatened evil ? Another invasion and civil war, so injudiciously 
had the last been managed, were too unpopular to afford hope of suc- 
cess. But December 24, a law was enacted, " For quieting distur- 
bances at Wyoming, for pardoning certain offenders, and for other 
purposes therein mentioned." After reciting in preamble, according 
to the excellent fashion of the day, that " a spirit of licentiousness, 
and disobedience to the laws " prevailed, and *•' to strengthen the 
hands of Government and quiet the disturbances," " It is fit that lenient 
means be tried, before the most coercive ones are used," it proceeds 
to provide. 

Sec. 2. That all offences committed before " the 1st of Nov. be 
pardoned, and put in oblivion." 

Sec. 3. Provided all offenders surrender themselves before the 15th 
of April next, and enter into recognizances. 

Sec. 4. Authorizes the militia to be called out. 

Sec. 5. Repeals the act dividing Wyoming Township into three 
districts, and annuls Patterson's commission, and that of the other 
justices then elected. 

To suppose the whole people, for all were concerned, w^ould go 
forward, acknowledge their guilt, and sue for pai'don by entering into 
bonds for their good behaviour, was a presumption founded elsewhere 
than in reason. No notice was taken of the law, and it remained a 
dead letter on the statute book. Thus close the annals of 1785. 



LETTER XXV 



786.- Susquehanna Company's Resolves, at Hartford — Ethan Allen — Civil Govern- 
ment — Trials at Law — Ludicrous Defence — Susquehanna Whole and Half Share Rights 
in market — Conciliatory Policy — Luzerne county established — Name of Luzerne — (*curi- 
ous Note) — Pumpkin Fresh — New and important Personages appear on the stage — Joel 
Barlow — Hosmore — The Wolcotts, etc. — Grand Scheme to dismember Pennsylvania — • 
New State contem[)lated. 



The most interesting event occurring in the early part of 1786, was 
the holding a second naeeting of the Susquehanna Company, at 
Hartford, in May, the Assembly being then in session, following up 
the policy developed in their proceedings of the preceding year. 
Important in their bearing upon the interests of Wyoming, we copy 
whatever is of general concern. 

At a meeting of the Susquehanna Company held at Hartford, 
May 17, 1786 :— 

•' Col. Elizur Talcott, Moderator ; Samuel Gray, Clerk ; Then 
Voted — That all persons settled under the authority of the State of 
Pennsylvania, now actually inhabiting upon that tract of country, 
situate upon the westerly waters of the Susquehanna river, and pur- 
chased of the natives, by the company called the Susquehanna Com- 
pany, be, and the same are hereby fully established and confirmed 
in their full and absolute possession of the lands by them actually 
possessed, under the said State of Pennsylvania. 

" Voted — That this Company, conscious of the equity of their title 
to the lands bona fide purchased of the natives, and situate upon the 
waters of the river Susquehanna, will support and maintain their 
claims to the lands aforesaid, and effectually justify and support their 
settlers therein." 

" Voted— That Col. John Franklin, Gen. Ethan Allen, Major John 
Jenkins, Col. Zebulon Butler, be, and they are hereby appointed a 
Committee, with full power and authority to locate townships within 
the territory aforesaid, agreeable to the votes of said Company, in 



388 ' HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

the room and stead of the former Committee appointed for that pur- 
pose ; and the said Committee are also hereby fully authorized and 
empowered to inquire into the claim of all persons now settled at 
Wyoming, and such as shall make out their claim in pursuance of 
the votes of said Company ; said Committee are hereby authorized to 
quiet them in such lands as they shall find them justly entitled to^ 
agreeable to the votes of said Company ; and that Col. John Frank- 
lin, be, and he is hereby appointed clerk of the said Committee^ 
and directed to keep fair records of the proceedings of said Commit- 
tee, and the tranfer of all property in said settlement ; and that said 
Clerk transmit, from time to time, fair copies to the clerk of this 
Company, of all such locations of townships, and the names of such 
as shall be admitted proprietors by such Committee, in virtue of the 
authority aforesaid. Col. John Franklin was duly sworn faithfully 
to execute the office of clerk of said Committee, according to the 
above vote, before Samuol Gray, Justice of the Peace." 

It was doubtless politic, as well as liberal, to quiet the Pennsylva- 
nia settlers in their possessions, although the formal resolve to do so^ 
may now excite a smile. 

A declaration that the Company would " effectually justify and 
support the settlers," shows the boldness and earnestness of their 
proceedings. 

Gen. Ethan Allen, of Vermonty too well known to require any 
introduction from my pen^ it will be observed is appointed with 
Col. Franklin and Major Jerkins, as a Committee to " locate town- 
ships," and as a court to try contested titles.* 

In the intermediate time, between those meetings, Wyoming wa& 
in a state of comparative repose. Hundreds of scattered settlers^ 
who had been expelled by the war, many of them boys, now grown 
up to manhood, returned to claim their own or their fallen fathers'' 
possessions. New adventurers, attracted by the wonderful tales of 
its richness and beauty, came in to purchase ; and a productive year, 
diffusing plenty — such is the elastic spirit of man — restored cheer- 
fulness and invigorated industry. Frame buildings began to take 
place of the log hut; and in Wilkesbarre Townplot one or two 

* ''General Allen "In April 1786, General Ethan Allen paid us a visit at Wyoming, 
arrived at Wyo- and proposed to settle amongst us and to bring on with him a nuni- 
ming, April 8th, ber of his Green Mountain Boys, and assist us in supporting and de- 
1786. fending our rights against the Pennsylvania Claimants. A large num- 

ber of Proprietors' Rights were given to General Allen, to induce him 

to espouse our cause. FRANKLIN." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 389 

liouses were painted, besides that on the river street, of which we 
have before spoken.* 

While, nonriinally, the laws of Pennsylvania, administered by the 
magistrates of Northumberland, extended to Wyoming, in point of 
fact the settlers governed themselves, avoiding the service of writs, 
rather than opposing the officer. Indeed, from the well known friend- 
ship of Sheriff Antis, it is supposed that for the present, he did not 
deem it politic to pursue the eluding Yankees with much earnest- 
ness ; relying, and relying wisely, on the measures of conciliation, or 
more determined and effectual coercion, which the Assembly must 
very soon adopt. For the year, the people had chosen Col. John Frank- 
lin, Major John Jenkins, Capt. John Paul Schott, Ebenezer Johnson, 
Esq., and Dr. William Hooker Smith, " A Committee to regulate the 
police of the Settlement." General and voluntary obedience was 
paid to their authority.f No record, that we have been able to disco- 
ver, contains their proceedings, but by the aged inhabitants, several 
trials are remembered, two of which we preserve as a sample. 

* A common exaggeration, in the olden time, to convey an idea of the fatness of the soil, 
was to say, " That it only needed melting, and you might dip candles." For some miles on 
the old " Lackaway" road, from the Delaware to the Susquehanna, there is a super-super- 
abundance of stone. It was a standing joke, that Satan coming from New England with a 
load for Wyoming, his apron string broke on those hills, covering them with stones, and so 
the Valley was left free. 

t In this way the settlements of Wyoming were governed under the directions of the Com- 
mittee of Directors according to the form of government established by the people, regulating 
the affairs respecting new settlers, etc., agreeably to the rules adopted by the Susquehanna 
Company. We in a short time increased our numbers to upwards of six hundred effective 
men ; and were determined to support our claims and interest, until decided by a legal course 
■of law. We were also determined to oppose any authority from Pennsylvania, residing 
among us, until we could have a regular establishment on Constitutional principles, and our 
lands in some way secured to us. We continued firm and united in our resolutions, until the 
county of Luzerne was established, and the Confirming Law took place, which put a stop to 
our settlements being made under the Susquehanna Company. I will remark, that a large 
number on the west branch of the Susquehanna river had proposed to join us, and extend 
the claims of the Susquehanna Company into that part of the country. A Committee was 
appointed in 1786, and sent to Wyoming for that purpose. 

JOHN FRANKLIN." 

This is the closing paragraph of Col. Franklin's book. It will be admitted that in the 
actual posture of public aflfairs, the promised Green Mountain Boys, with Ethan Allen to 
head them — the Wolcotts, and Barlow, and Hosmer and Judd, to back them by aid from 
Connecticut — the proposed auxiliaries from the West Branch, and six hundred enrolled 
eflfective men on the ground, with a civil government in operation, and a military organiza- 
tion complete, it was time for Pennsylvania to throw aside such agents as Patterson and 
Armstrong, and to exercise her utmost wisdom and vigilance. 



390 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

A fellow, who had found his way to the Susquehanna, was charged 
with stealing honey. Having confessed the fact to the prosecutor 
and offered a very inadequate compensation for the pilfered sweets, 
the matter was brought before the Court, where the defendant plead 
not guilty, asseverated his innocence, and demanded proof A wit- 
ness was sworn who testified that he saw honey and honeycomb at 
the house of the defendant, the day after the alleged theft. " And 
what have you to answer to this testimony ?" inquired one of the 
Committee. " May it please your worship, it is all a mistake; that 
man isn't capable of being a witness. He can't tell the difference 
between honey and molasses, and don't know honeycomb from a 
johnnycake." The merriment excited saved the prisoner from a 
severer punishment than a fine sufficient to pay for the honey and 
costs of suit. The other was a case of theft ; the property having 
been taken from William Stark. The Court met near the house of 
the prisoner, heard the evidence, and decided — That the goods be 
forthwith restored; and as it was an aggravated case, the family 
being wandering interlopers, they were warned to leave the Valley 
in two weeks, or," etc. Some indefinite, but severe punishment was, 
probably, menaced by that " or." 

These incidents, while they may excite a smile, are recorded chiefly 
to show, that so late as 1786, four years after the transfer of jurisdic- 
tion, the settlers still preserved some form of Government, trying of- 
fences and enforcing obedience. But it must be apparent, the high 
moral sanction of legitimate and acknowledged authority being want- 
ing, that habit rather than law, was the chief defence of the in- 
habitants. 

During the summer, an active business was going on in the disposal 
of whole and half share rights in the Susquehanna Company's pur- 
chase. Townships were " located" and surveyed ; settlers began 
rapidly to people the lands on both sides of the Susquehanna from 
Wilkesbarre to the line of New York. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 



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394 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

That the speculation in those rights was general, is shown by the 
fact, that gentlemen of the first distinction and property engaged in 
the purchase. Matthias Hollenback, Esq., took a whole share, num- 
bered 264. Capt. Dudley, Capt. Spalding, Hugh Forseman, Esq., 
Col. Denison, William Slocum, and other principal men of the settle- 
ment are set down as purchasers. Capt. Schott paid 28 1-3 dollars 
for share No. 160. John Hollenback paid 40 dollars for No. 83. 
Capt. Peter Loop paid 40 dollars for No. 82. Samuel Church gave 
20 dollars for half share No. 272. Aaron Cleaveland gave 40 dol- 
lars for a share, and Samuel Decker received a half share, numbered 
283, " for services rendered prisoners at Easton." From whence it 
may be seen that several hundred shares of the new emission had 
been already disposed of at Wyoming, the prices paid, and the re- 
spectability of the persons engaged. In different parts of New Eng- 
land the numbers, probably were seven fold greater. Many of the 
half shares it may be observed, were disposed of as a condition of 
actual settlement, to " man the rights." 

It may reasonably be supposed that these measures on the part of 
the Yankees accelerated the action of Pennsylvania. A new and 
more liberal policy was resolved upon, coercion giving place to con- 
ciliation, and compromise being beneficially substituted for civil war. 

To extend to the remote settlement at Wyoming the advantages of 
civil government, in which they might participate ; affording them an 
opportunity to administer their own local affairs, by persons having 
the confidence of the inhabitants chosen by themselves ; to give the 
people an efficient representation in the Council and Assembly, so 
that their voice might be heard, their interests explained, and their 
influence fairly appreciated, was the first grand healing measure 
adopted on the part of the State. That it was full of wisdom in 
its conception, subsequent events proved beyond question. On the 
25th of September, 1786, an act was passed for erecting the north- 
ern part of the county of Northumberland into a separate county. 
The limits of the new county were these : beginning at the mouth of 
Nescopeck creek, and running along the south bank thereof, eastward 
to the head of said creek ; from thence a due east course to the 
head branch of Lehigh Creek; then along the east bank of said 
Lehigh Creek to the head thereof; from thence a due north 
course to the northern boundary of the State ; thence westward 
along said boundary till it crosses the east branch of Susque- 
hanna, and then along said northern boundary fifteen miles west of 
said river Susquehanna ; thence by a straight line to the head of 



H.ISTORY OF WYOMING. 395 

Towanda Creek ; thence along the ridge which divides the waters of 
the east branch of the Susquehanna, from those of the west branch, 
to a point due west from the mouth of the Nescopeck creek ; thence 
east to the place of beginning, which shall henceforth be known and 
called by the name of Luzerne county. 

In respect to the boundaries, it may be remarked that they include 
about the western half of the old town and county of Westmoreland. 
When the act was drawn, the northern line was evidently imperfectly 
known, for it crosses the Susquehanna three times instead of once, 
as seems to have been supposed. But the limits were fair and libe- 
ral, and included all the New England emigrants, excepting those in 
the ancient " Lackawa" settlement, and a few on the Delaware. 

The five succeedmg sections were in the usual form, and invite 
no comment. Sect. 8, provides that " on the second Tuesday of Oc- 
tober next, there shall be chosen (in the town of Wilkesbarre) one 
representative to serve in the Assembly, one counsellor, two fit per- 
sons for sheriff, two fit persons for coroner, and three commissioners. 
Section 9 provides, " that Zebulon Butler, Nathaniel Landon, Jo- 
nah Rogers, Simon Spalding and John Phillips,"* shall be com- 
missioners to purchase land whereon to erect the necessary public 
buildings. 

But no provision had been made for the " little election" to choose 
judges and inspectors, and the day passed over, no counsellor, as- 
semblymen, or county ofRcers having been chosen. 

The least curious reader will be led to inquire, whence the name 
of " Luzerne ?" And especially the young and intelligent citizen 
of the county, may be presumed earnestly to desire full information 
on the subject. In the fall of 1778, the alliance with France was 
formed, and in the following year the Sieur Gerard had leave to re- 
turn, and a new minister was accredited to the United States. In 
Congress, "Wednesday, November 17th, 1779, according to order, the 
Honorable Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister Plenipotentiary of his 
most Christian Majesty, was introduced to an audience by Mr- 
Matthews and Mr. Morris, the two members for that purpose ap- 
pointed, and being seated in his chair, the Secretary of the Em- 
bassy delivered to the President a letter from his most Christian 
Majesty, of which the following is a translation :— 

* While his companions in the commission are all long, long since gathered to their 
fathers, we have the pleasure to say that John Phillips, Esq , was last winter married, and 
is still a highly respectable, hale old gentleman, (May 1843.) 



396 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

To our very dear, great friends and allies, the President and Mem- 
bers of the General Congress of the United States in North America. 

" Very dear, great friends and allies : 

The bad state of health of the Sieur Gerard, our Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to you, having laid him under the necessity of applying for 
a recall, we have made choice of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, a 
colonel in our service, to supply his place. We have no doubt but 
he will be agreeable to you, and that you will repose entire confidence 
in him. We pray you to give full credit to all he shall say to you 
on our behalf, especially when he shall assure you of the sincerity of 
our wishes for your prosperity, as well as of the constancy of our 
affection, and of our friendship for the United States in general, and 
for each one of them in particular. We pray God to keep you, our 
very dear, great friends and allies, in his holy protection. 

Your good friend and ally, 

LOUIS. 
(Underneath) GRAVIER DE VERGENNES." 

Done at Versailles, the 31st of May, 1779. 

" The Minister was then announced to the House : Whereupon he 
arose, and addressed Congress in a speech, which, when he had 
finished, the Secretary delivered in writing to the President, and of 
which the following is a translation : 

" Gentlemen, the wisdom and courage which have founded your re- 
public ; the prudence which presides over your deliberations ; your 
firmness in executing, the skill and valour displayed by your generals 
and soldiers, during the course of the war, have attracted the admi- 
ration and regard of the whole world. The king, my master, was 
the first to acknowledge a liberty acquired amidst so many perils, and 
with so much glory. Since treaties, dictated by moderation, have 
fixed upon a permanent base the union of France, with the American 
Republic, his Majesty's whole conduct must have demonstrated how 
dearly he tenders your prosperity, and his firm resolution to maintain 
your independence, by every means in his power. The events which 
have successively unfolded themselves, show the wisdom of those 
measures. A powerful ally hath acknowledged the justice of those mo- 
tives which had compelled the king to take arms, and we may reasona- 
bly hope for the most solid success, from the operations of the united 
fleets. The naval force of the enemy hath been diverted from your 
Continent. — Compelled to flee to the defence of their own possessions, 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 397 

all their efforts have been too feeble to prevent our troops from con- 
quering a considerable part." 

Such was the letter of introduction from the Count de Vergennes 
of the Chevalier de la Luzerne ; such was a part of his address to 
Congress ; and from this gentleman is derived the euphonious, the 
sweetly flowing name of the newly erected county. Still surprise 
might exist that the name of a foreigner, however worthy, should have 
been selected for the honour, in preference to many equally worthy, 
who were citizens of Pennsylvania, who had distinguished them- 
selves in council, or in the field ; or if a foreigner was to be so hon- 
oured, why Rochambeau, the commander of the French forces, who 
aided Washington to capture Cornwallis, was not preferred? So 
early as May, 1784, the Chevalier had taken leave, and returned to 
France. What Minister is now remembered two years and a half 
after his departure for a distant home? The difficulty is solved by 
relating, that, in 1782, on the birth of the Dauphin of France, the 
Chevalier de la Luzerne gave an entertainment in Philadelphia, then, 
except by the Maschienza, never equalled ; and the account of it, 
written in an extremely popular style to a lady in the country, was 
first published, or republished about the time Luzerne was erected, and 
probably, nay, almost certainly, led to the selection of the name. 
Not doubting such to be the fact, both for the instruction and 
amusement imparted, I have copied the letter in a note.* 

Philadelphia, July 16, 1782. 

Madam, — 'For some weeks past our city has been amused with the expectation of a most 
splendid entertainment to be given by the minister, to celebrate the birth of the Dauphin of 
France. Great preparations, it was said, were made for that purpose. Hundreds crowded 
dail}' to see a large frame building, which he had erected for a dancing room, on one side of 
his house. This building which was sixty feet in front, and forty feet in depth, was sup- 
ported by large painted pillars, and was open all round. The ceiling was decorated with 
several pieces of neat paintings emblematical of the design of the entertainment. The garden 
contiguous to this shed was cut into walks, and divided with cedar and pine branches into 
artificial groves. The whole, both of the building and walks, were accommodated with seats. 
Besides these preparations, we are told that the minister had borrowed thirty cooks from the 
French army, to assist in providing an entertainment suited to the size and dignity of his 
company. Eleven hundred tickets were distributed, most of them two and three weeks be- 
fore the evening of the entertainment. Forty were sent to the Governors of each State, to be 
distributed by them to the principal officers and gentlemen of their respective governments ; 
and I believe the same number to General Washington, to be distributed among the principal 
officers of the army. 

For ten days before the entertainment, nothing else was talked of in our city. The shops 
were crowded with customers. Hair dressers were retained, and tailors, milliners and man- 
tuamakers, were to be seen covered with sweat and out of breath, in every street. 

Monday, July 15, was the long expected evening. The morning of this day was ushered 
in by a corps of hair dressers, occupying the place of the city watchmen. Many ladies 



39§ HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

If history be philosophy teaching by example, the deduction might 
be that the road to immortality was not that of war, sacrifice, or pri- 
vation, but the primrose path of hospitality, of courtesy, of display. 

were obliged to have their h^ads dressed between four and six o'clock in the morning, so 
great was the demand, and so numerous were the engagements this day of the gentlemen of 
the comb. At half an hour after seven o'clock in the afternoon, was the time fixed in the 
tickets for the meeting of the company. The approach of the hour was proclaimed by the 
rattling of all the carriages in the city. The doors and windows of the street, which leads to 
the minister's, were lined with people, and near the minister's house, there was a collection of 
all the curious, and idle men, women and children of the city, who were not invited to the en- 
tertainment, amounting probably to ten thousand people. The minister was not unmindful of 
this crowd of spectators. He had previously pulled down a board fence, and put up a low fence 
before the dancing room and walks, on purpose to gratify them with a sight of the company 
and entertainment. He intended further to have distributed two pipes of Madeira wine, and sis 
hundred dollars in small change among them ; but he was dissuaded from this act of generosity 
by some gentlemen of the city, who were afraid that it might prove the occasion of a riot, or 
some tumultuous proceedings. The money devoted to this purpose was charitably distri- 
buted among the prisoners in the jails, and the patients in the hospitals in the city. About 

eight o'clock, our family, together with Miss and Miss , and our good neighbours 

Mr. and Mrs. , entered the apartments provided for this splendid entertainment. "We 

were received through a side gate by the minister, and conducted by one of his family forward 
towards the dancing room. The scene now almost exceeds description. The numerous 
lights distributed through the garden — the splendour of the room that we were approaching— 
the size of the company, which was now collected, and which amounted to about 700 per- 
sons — the brilliancy and variety of their dresses, and the band of music which had just 
began to play, formed a scene that resembled enchantment. Our companion. Miss — — 
said "her mind was carried beyond and out of itself " "We entered the room together— 
and here we saw the world in miniature. All the ranks and parties, and professions in the 
city, and officers of our government were fully represented in this assembly. Here were 
ladies and gentlemen of the most ancient, and of the most modern families. Here were 
lawyers, doctors, and ministers of the gospel. Here were the learned faculty of the college, 
and with them many who knew not whether Cicero plead in Latin or Greek, or whether 
Horace was a Roman or a Scotchman. Here were painters and musicians, poets and phi- 
losophers, and men who were never moved by beauty, nor harmony, nor by rhyme nor 
reason. Here were merchants and gentlemen of independent fortunes, as well as many re- 
spectable and opulent tradesmen. Here were whigs, and men who formerly bore the charac- 
ter of tories. Here were the president and members of Congress, governors of States — 
generals of armies— ministers of finance, and war, and foreign affairs, judges of superior and 
inferior courts, with all their respective suits of assistants — secretaries and clerks. In a word 
the assembly was truly republican. The company was mixed, it is true, but the mixture 
formed the harmony of the evening. Every body seemed pleased. Pride and ill nature 
for awhile forgot their pretensions and offices, and the whole assembly behaved to each 
other as if they had been members of the same family. 

It was impossible to partake of the joy of the evening, without being struck with the 
occasion of it. It was to celebrate the birth of a Dauphin of France, How great the revo- 
lution in the mind of an American ! to rejoice in the birth of an heir to the crown of 
France! a country against which he had imbibed prejudices, as ancient as the wars be- 
tween France and England. How strange ! for a protestant to rejoice in the birth of a 
prince, whose religion he has been taught to consider as unfriendly to humanity — and above 
all, hew new the phenomenon, for republicans and freemen to rejoice in the birth of a prince, 
who must one day be the support of monarchy. Human nature in this instance seems to be 



HISTORY OF WYOMING- 399 

An event occurred in the autumn of this year, regarded by all the 
ancient people as too important to be omitted. In October the waters 
of the Susquehanna rose to a height never known except at the ice 

turned inside outwards. The picture is still agreeable, inasmuch as it shows us in the 
clearest point of view, that there are no prejudices so strong, no opinions so sacred, and no 
contradictions so palpable, that will not yield to the love of liberty. 

The appearance and characters, as well as the employments of the company, naturally 
suggested the ideas of Elysium, given us by the ancient poets. Here were to be seen heroes 
and patriots in close conversation with each other. Washington and Dickinson held several 
dialogues together. Here were to be seen men conversing with each other, who appeared 
in all the different stages of the American war. Dickinson and Morris, frequently reclined 
together against the same pillar. Here were to be seen statesmen and warriors from the op- 
posite ends of the continent, talking of the history of the war, in their respective States. 
Rutledge and Walton from the south, here conversed with Lincoln and Duane, from the east 
and the north. Here and there too, appeared a solitary character, walking among the artifi- 
cial bowers in the garden. The celebrated author of " Common Sense," retired frequently 
from company to enjoy the repast of his own original ideas. Here were to be seen men who 
had opposed each other in the councils and parties of their country, forgetting all former re- 
sentments, and exchanging civihties with each other. Even M n and R d, accosted 

each other with all the kindness of ancient friends. Here were to be seen men of various 
countries and languages, such as Americans and Frenchmen, Englishmen and Scotchmen, 
Germans and Irishmen, conversing with each other like children of one father. And lastly, 
here were to be seen the extremes of the civilized, and of the savage life. An Indian chief in 
his savage habits, and the Count Rochambeau in his expensive and splendid uniform, talked 
with each other, as if they had been the subjects of the same government, generals in the 
same army, and the partakers of the same blessings of civilized life. 

About half an hour after eight o'clock, the signal was given for the dances to begin. 
Each lady was provided with a partner before she came. The heat of the evening deterred 
above one half of the company from dancing. Two sets however, appeared on the floor during 
the remaining part of the evening. 

On one side of the room were provided two private apartments, where a number of servants 
attended to help the company to all kinds of cool and agreeable drinks, with sweet cake, 
fruit and the like. Between these apartments, and under the orchestra, there was a private 
room where several ladies, whose dress would not permit them to join the assembly, were 
indulged with a sight of the company through a gauze curtain. This little attention to the 
curiosity of these ladies, marks in the strongest manner the minister's desire to please every 
body. 

At 9 o'clock, were exhibited a number of rockets from a stage erected in a large open 
lot before the minister's house; they were uncommonly beautiful, and gave universal 
satisfaction. 

At 12 o'clock, the company was called to supper. It was laid behind the dancing room 
under three large markees, so connected together as to make one large canopy. Under this 
canopy were placed seven tables, each of which was large enough to accommodate fifty 
people. The ladies, who composed near one-half of the whole assembly, took their seats 
lirst, with a small number of gentlemen to assist in helping them. The sapper was a cold 
collation, simple, frugal and elegant, and handsomely set off with a desert consisting of cakes, 
and all the fruits of the season. The Chevalier de la Luzerne, now appeared with all the 
splendour of the minister, and all the politeness of a gentleman. He walked along the 
tables, and addressed himself in particular to every lady. - A decent and respectful silence 
pervaded the whole company. Intemperance did not show its head— levity composed its 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

flood two years previously. Wilkesbarre was partially inundated, 
and many were preparing canoes to take off the inhabitants to the 
hills. This was termed the " Pumpkin fresh," from the immense 
number that floated down the stream to the astonishment of the 
people below. Great and irreparable losses were sustained in hay, 
grain and cattle, occasioning much suffering during the ensuing win- 
ter. Several houses and barns were swept away, and one or two 
lives were lost. 

Other important personages crowd on the scene of action. The 
last grand movement of the Susquehanna Company, having in view 
the establishment of an independent government and State, in defiance 
of Pennsylvania, her power and her laws, was now in bold and ener- 
getic progress. Col. Franklin, " the hero of Wyoming," in the spirit 
of his oath on the bloody rifle, had aroused into action some of the 
boldest and most influential spirits in the land. In the proceedings 
which follow, fraught as Pennsylvania might well regard them, with 
war and treason ; and justified as Franklin, and those gentlemen who 
connected themselves with his scheme, conscientiously believed, by 
the unendurable WTongs and oppressions inflicted with unsparing 
hand and remorseless rigour, on the poor settlers at Wyoming, will be 
found names conspicuous in the annals of the nation ; official func- 
tionaries of the highest grade, and men of genius, whom literature as 
well as politics, was proud to crown with the chaplet of enviable 
distinction. 

Joel Barlow, already known to fame, eminent for learning and dis- 
tinguished by genius, which subsequently ensured his elevation to the 
honourable office of minister plenipotentiary to the court of France, 
acted, it will be seen, as secretary. 

The Wolcotts, of Connecticut, were themselves a host. No less 
than three of the name will be found on the list of the grand commit- 

countenance, and even humour itself, forgot for a few minutes its usual haunt ; and the 
simple jest, no less than the loud laugh, were unheard at any of the tables. So great and uni- 
versal was the decorum, and so totally suspended was every species of convivial noise, that 
several gentlemen remarked that the " company looked and behaved more as if they were 
worshipping than eating." In a word, good breeding was acknowledged by universal 
consent, to be mistress of the evening, and the conduct of her votaries at supper formed the 
conclusion of her triumphs. 

At two o'clock in the morning the company broke up, and we returned home. Our 
ladies speak with great pleasure of the entertainment, and, as far as 1 have heard, no ofience 
was given or taken the whole evening. 

If this long letter gives you half as muc'i pleasure in reading it, as I have had in writing it, 

it will add greatly to my proportion of pleasure derived from the entertainment. WiUi 

great respect, I am madam, your sincere friend, and most humble servant. 

*♦♦**** 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 401 

tee of twenty-two. The name of Hosmer was also there. Oliver 
Wolcott, jr., was afterwards Secretary of the Treasury, and subse- 
quently Governor of Connecticut. Such men did not move without 
high purpose and elevated aim. A prize to gratify ambition could 
aione have secured the co-operation of gentlemen holding station, 
enjoying consequence, and with prospects so flattering in society as 
theirs. But to the proceedings. 

*' At a meeting of the proprietors of the Susquehanna purchase, 
duly warned, and held at the Slate House of the city of Hartford, 
December 26, A. D. 1786, 

" Col. Gad Stanley, moderator, Joel Barlow, clerk pro tern., seve- 
ral public papers and private letters relative to the present situation 
of the settlers at Wyoming were read. It was then moved that a 
committee be appointed to prepare the business for to-morrow, and 
that the meeting adjourn to that time ; accordingly Major Judd, Mr. 
Pomeroy,Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Beach, Mr. Barlow, Mr. Barton, Mr. O. 
Wolcott, Mr. A. Wolcott, Mr. Hosmore, were appointed, the meeting 
adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 

" December 27. The meeting opened according to adjournment, 
and the committee reported : whereupon the following resolves were 
passed. 

" Whereas, it is an object of great importance that the rights of the 
proprietors under the Susquehanna purchase be ascertained, and the 
claims of the settlers be reduced to a certainty, and their titles con- 
firmed, therefore 

" Resolved, That Maj. Judd, Saml. Gray, Esq., Joel Barlow, Esq., 
Oliver Wolcott, jr. Esq., Al. Wolcott, jr. Esq., Col. Gad Stanley, Joseph 
Hamilton, Esq., Dr. Timothy Hosmore, Col. Zebulon Butler, Col. Na- 
than Denison, Obadiah Gore, Esq., Col. John Franklin, Zerah Beach, 
Esq., Capt. Simon Spalding, Major John Jenkins, Major Paul Schott, 
Abel Pierce, Esq., Capt. John Bartle, Capt. Peter Loop, jr., John 
Bay, Esq., and Col. Ebenezer Gray, be, and they are hereby autho- 
rized and appointed commissioners, with full powers to ascertain, by 
reference to the records of the clerk of the Susquehanna Company, 
and the records of the settlers at Wyoming, the names of the proprie- 
tors claiming under said purchase ; that as soon as may be they 
make out a fair and complete list of the names of all the proprietors, 
and annex thereto the proportions of land to which they are severally 
entitled. That as soon as said list may be completed, it shall be 
entered at large on the records of the said Company, and shall be con- 
sidered as full and complete evidence of the title of said proprietors. 
26 



402 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" That said Commissioners shall thereupon make a scrutiny of every 
person settled upon said lands, and that such settlers as shall appear 
to have been proprietors, heirs or assigns of proprietors, shall imme- 
diately procure their locations to be surveyed and ascertained, which 
after being approved by said Commissioners shall be accorded as 
parcel of their proprietary right. 

" That whenever it shall appear that any settler or proprietor has 
made a location by permission, and under authority from any pro- 
prietor, or the Company, the quantity of land located shall be sur- 
veyed as aforesaid, and if approved by said Commissioners, shall be 
recorded, and considered as parcel of the right of said original 
proprietor, unless otherwise provided by the vote of this Company ', 
that said Commissioners be, and they are hereby directed to ascertain, 
locate and survey, to each and every person, who has in consequence 
of any person, vote, or agreement of said Susquehanna Company, 
gone and settled on said lands, the amount of his grant, which being 
recorded, shall vest a full and complete title thereto, in favour of such 
person. That said Commissioners be also directed and empowered 
to locate and survey, in favour of such persons as they shall judge 
proper, who shall actually settle and occupy said lands, by them- 
selves, their heirs or assigns, not exceeding 200 acres on any pro- 
prietor's right, who has either by himself, or by some person under 
him, settled and remained on said lands; which survey and location 
being recorded shall vest a complete title in such settlers, and shall 
be considered as parcel of such proprietor's right. 

" That said Commissioners shall locate and survey all such grants 
as they may make in favour of any new settler on said lands, in such 
towns as have been already granted, as far as vacant lands can be 
found for that purpose, or on such gores of land as remain ungranted 
between said towns: Provided that nothing herein shall be construed 
to affect the title of any actual settler in such town. Said Com- 
missioners are to take especial care that the property of widows and 
orphans be in no instance infringed. 

" That said Commissioners shall, as soon as may be, convene to- 
gether and appoint some particular place for holding their court, and 
they shall in no instance hold their court in any other place than that 
first agreed upon, unless it shall not be convenient to meet at such 
place, in which [case] it shall be in their power to adjourn to any 
other place, and they shall appoint some proper person for their 
secretary, who shall keep fair and accurate records of all their pro- 
ceedings and. determinations. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 40g 

" That said Commissioners be, and they are hereby authorized to 
make locations and surveys in favour of any settlers or proprietors, 
on any of the broken or mountainous lands lying within five miles of 
the river, not convenient to lay out townships five miles square, and 
annex the same to such townships as they judge proper, provided 
that such locations shall in no instance exceed six hundred acres to 
the proprietor of a full right, or in proportion to the proprietor of a 
less quantity than a full right, including any location heretofore made 
by such proprietor, or any person under him, and also including such 
locations as may by the said Commissioners be made in favour of any 
settler on his proprietary right. 

" And said Commissioners are hereby authorized to grant new 
townships, agreeable to the former votes of this company, and the 
powers heretofore granted to any Committee for that purpose are 
hereby declared to cease and determine. 

" And said Commissioners are hereby authorized to inquire into 
the particular circumstances of any locations and settlements that 
have been made contrary to the former regulations of this Company, 
and confirm or disallow the same, as they shall judge most conducive 
to the interests of this Company :— And it is hereby ordered that no 
location which may hereafter be made contrary to the regulations 
contained in this act, shall in any instance be admitted or confirmed. 

" That any three of the said Commissioners, together with their 
Secretary, shall be a quorum to transact any of the business afore- 
said. 

" That the expense of locating, and surveying and determining all 
matters aforesaid, shall be paid by persons in whose favour such lo- 
cations, &c., shall be made or done: and that said Court of Commis- 
sioners shall in no instance exact or receive unreasonable or exorbitant 
fees. 

'•' That any five of said Commissioners, with their Secretary, shall 
be a Court, with power to hear and finally determine all controversies 
between actual occupants respecting the title of lands, and to award 
equitable costs in the usual forms of trials at law ; this power to de- 
termine whenever a form of internal government shall he established 
in that country. 

" Resolved likewise, That the Commissioners aforesaid, or a ma- 
jority of them, be, and they are hereby fully authoinzed and empow- 
ered to do and transact any other matters and things which they may 
judge necessary for the security and protection of the settlers on said 



404 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

lands, and for the benefit of the Company of Proprietors, hereby rati* 
fying and confirming whatever said Commissioners may do in the 
premises. Test, Joel Barlow, Clerk, pro tem." 

Long as this document is, we have chosen to place in our pages 
the full record of all that it contained of material import. Except 
the copy before us, there is not, probably, another in existence. It 
will be seen that, in truth, the Committee is an Executive Directory, 
with full powers, or rather a Government ; and doubtless meant, in 
its appointment, to be a provisional government, in and over the new 
State, contemplated to be erected by the dismemberment of Penn- 
sylvania. 

These proceedings were a prelude to the highly important and 
stirring scenes which it will be our duty to record in the annals of 
the coming year. 

On the 27th of December a Supplement was passed to the Act 
establishing Luzerne county, within four days of the close of the 
year, its whole operation being thrown into 1787 ; and moreover, as 
it introduces a person of far too high distinction to bring forward 
at the close of a letter, we shall postpone its consideration till our 
next. 



LETTEE XXYI. 



1181. Col. Timothy Pickering — Col. Butler — Wyoming People divided — Elections — 

Grand Measure of Conciliation — The Confirming Act — Organization of Luzerne county — 
Policy of Pickering — Adverse Policy of Franklin — Great Meeting — Stormy Discussion — 
Broken up in confusion and riot — A stream of Settlers flowing in from the East, on Share 
and Half Share Rights — Ethan Allen on the ground — A Crisis impending — Constitution 
for the new State — Arrest of Col. Franklin for Treason— Spirit of Mrs. Slocum — Bloody 
Scene — A City Paper — Commotion — Pickering withdrawn — Is elected member of the 
Convention — Another year closes in storms and tempest. 



The Act of December 27th, 178G, provided, that Timothy Picker- 
ing, Zebulon Butler, and John Franklin, notify the Electors that an 
election would be holden to choose a Counsellor, Member of Assem- 
bly, Sheriff, Coroner, and Commissioners, on the first day of February. 
A mode was pointed out by which Inspectors and Judges were to 
be appointed. Oaths of allegiance were to be taken by the voters ; 
and provision for the election of Justices of the Peace was made. 

Col. Pickering was one of the most eminent men in the Union. 
Having the confidence of Washington and Congress, he had executed 
with fidelity and approbation the office of Quartermaster-General 
of the army. A native of Massachusetts, after the peace he settled 
in Philadelphia, becoming a citizen of Pennsylvania, and was selected, 
in addition to his great abilities and weight of character, for the rea- 
son that he was a New England man, to organize the new county, 
and introduce the laws of the State among the Wyoming people. 
Too politic, as well as too just not to desire that the controversy 
should be settled on terms reciprocally satisfactory, there is reason 
to suppose, that, before accepting this delicate and arduous appoint- 
ment, assurances had been given him that the settlers, before the 
Decree of Trenton, should, by some fair terms of compromise, be 
quieted in their possessions. To believe otherwise would be an 
imputation at once upon his sagacity and his honour. 



406 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

Col. Butler, with great prudence, had kept himself aloof from all 
active measures of opposition. A captain in the old French war ; a 
colonel in the revolutionary contest, having served with reputation, 
and retired with honours ; ambition having been satisfied, and age 
cooled the fever of his ardent temperament, he desired peace ; he 
longed, ardently, for repose, if it could be attained with safety to 
his neighbours and credit to himself. But if expulsion or war 
were the only alternatives, " Set fire to 'em," he was prepared for 
the course pointed out by the duty of a patriot and the spirit of a 
soldier. 

Franklin, except in education and polish, was in no respect the 
inferior of Pickering ; and it was a wise, though as it proved, an 
unavailing stroke of policy, to endeavour to conciliate the great Yan- 
kee leader, by naming him as one of the Deputies to regulate the 
elections. 

But Col. Franklin was too deeply committed in interest and 
pledged faith to the grand scheme of establishing a new State, to take 
a new oath of fidelity to Pennsylvania; and either directly, by him- 
self, or through the agency of his attached partizans, every obstacle, 
short of absolute force, was interposed to prevent the election being 
held. 

And now, for the first time was presented the spectacle, equally 
gratifying to foes and painful to friends, of open and decided hostility 
among the Wyoming people. Whatever difference of opinion may 
exist in respect to the justice of their claim, no liberal mind could 
have traced their arduous course, through toil and privation, through 
suffering and oppression, through civil and foreign war, and observed 
the fortitude, fellowship and harmony among themselves, that had 
prevailed, without a feeling of admiration for rare and generous vir- 
tues so signally displayed. In an equal degree was the mortification 
at the spectacle now presented. It was now no longer, " Penny- 
mite and Yankee ; " but the '' Old settlers against the wild Yan- 
kees, or Half Share Men." 

Col. Pickering came with assurances, that on the introduction of 
the laws, and the organization of the county by the election of pro- 
per officers, which of course implied the oath of allegiance, measures 
of compromise would be forthwith adopted. Probably three-fourths 
of the ancient people sided with him, and were in favour of submis- 
sion to the law. Among these were Col. Butler, Col. Denison, the 
Hollenbacks, the Rosses, the families of Gore, Carey, Nesbit, etc. 
while Franklin, the Jenkins, the Slocums, Satterlee, Dudley, and 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 407 

Others, especially the residents up the river, wished to defeat the 
election, insisting that confirmation of title to the settlers should 
precede, and not be left to follow, complete submission to the power 
of the State. It was a day of high excitement, even for Wyoming ; 
indeed of riotous commotion. Many a stalwart Yankee was engaged 
in combat fierce, and sometimes bloody, though not mortal, with a 
former friend, by whose side he had fought. In the midst of the 
wild uproar, when overwhelming force was apprehended, Col. 
Butler mounted his war steed, and rode up and down amid the 
crowd, exclaiming ; " I draw my sword in defence of the law ; let 
every lover of peace and good order support me !" The romance of 
life was all over. That secret charm which has led us so long to 
cherish the behalf of a united band struggling for the right, was, by 
their disunion dissipated at least for a season. In despite of opposi- 
tion, the election was consummated. Col. Nathan Denison was 
elected to the Supreme Executive Council ; John Franklin was 
chosen member of Assembly, and Lord Butler, Esq., High Sheriff. 

Immediately upon the favorable issue of the election being made 
known, the Assembly, then in session, proceeded to perfect the work 
of conciliation so happily begun. At the suggestion of Col. Picker- 
ing, a large number of the people united in a petition, setting forth 
that seventeen townships, of five miles square, had been located by 
the Connecticut settlers before the Trenton Decree ; and the lots, 
averaging three hundred acres, been set off, specifically, to settlers 
and proprietors, and praying that these might be confirmed : Where- 
upon the Assembly, on the 28th of March, passed the Confirming 
Law, which after the recitation of the subject matter of the petition, 
enacted "That all the said rights or lots now laying within the county 
of Luzerne, which were occupied or acquired by Connecticut claim- 
ants who were actual settlers there at or before the termination of 
the claim of the State of Connecticut, by the Decree aforesaid, and 
which rights or lots were particularly assigned to the said settlers 
prior to the said Decree, agreeably to the regulations then in force 
amono- them, be and they are hereby confirmed to them and their 
heirs and assigns." Such was the essence of the law. The Act, 
consisting of nine sections, provided for the appointment of Commis- 
sioners, the exhibition of claims, compensation in land to Pennsyl- 
vania Claimants, and whatever appeared necessary to carry its 
benificent provisions into complete effect. Peter Muhlenburg, Timo- 
thy Pickering, and Joseph Montgomery, Esqs., were the Commis- 
sioners named, (Chapman says Stephen Balliott. Did Montgomery 



408 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

decline ?) who repaired early in May to Wyoming, to enter upon 
the duties of their appointment. 

In the mean time the general organization of the several depart- 
ments demanded for the due administration of the Laws in Luzerne 
had taken place, a brief official view of which cannot fail to be read 
with interest. 

COUNTY OF LUZERNE, to wit. May, 1787- 

Be it Remembered, That on Tuesday, the twenty-seventh day of 
May, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, Wil- 
liam Hooker Smith, Benjamin Carpenter, and James Nesbit, Esq'rs., 
Justices of the County Court of Common Pleas for said County, con- 
vened at the dwelling house of Zebulon Butler in Wilkesbarre, in 
the said County, when and where the following proceedings were had. 

Proclamation having been made by the Sheriff of said County, com- 
manding all persons to keep silence, there were read : 

L The Commissions issued by the Supreme Executive Council of 
Pennsylvania to the said William Hooker Smith, Benjamin Carpen- 
ter, and James Nesbit, and also to Timothy Pickering, Obadiah 
Gore, Nathan Kingsley, and Matthias Hollenback, constituting them 
Justices of the County Court of Common Pleas for the said County. 

n. The Dedimus Potestatum to Timothy Pickering and Nathan 
Denison, Esquires, issued by the Supreme Executive Council, im- 
powering them to administer the oaths to persons who were, or 
should be commissioned in said County. 

III. Then William Hooker Smith, Benjamin Carpenter, and James 
Nesbit, Esquires, took the oaths of allegiance and of office, and Jus- 
tices of the Peace, and of the County Court of Common Pleas for said 
County, (as required by the Constitution of Pennsylvania,) before 
Timothy Pickering, Esq., impow^ered as aforesaid to administer them. 

IV. The Court of Common Pleas was then opened, and Joseph 
Sprague appointed Crier. 

V. Then were read the other Commissions granted to Timothy 
Pickering, Esq., by the Supreme Executive Council, constituting him, 

1. Prothonotary of said Court of Common Pleas, 

2. Clerk of the Peace, 

3. Clerk of the Orphans' Court, 

4. Register for the Probate of Wills, and granting letters of Ad- 

ministration, 

5. Recorder of Deeds, 
for said County. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 409 

VI. The Court, upon application to them made, admitted and ap- 
pointed Ebenezer Bowman, Putnam Catlin, Roswell Wells, and Wil- 
liam Nichols, to be attorneys of the same Court, who were accord- 
ingly sworn. 

VII. Then appeared Lord Butler, Esq., Sheriff of the same County, 
and petitioned the Court to take some order relative to the erecting of 
a jail within the said County, Whereupon 

It is ordered, that he immediately apply to the trustees for that 
purpose appointed, and request them to execute the powers granted 
them by the law of the State, so far as respects the erecting of a 
County Jail. 

Thus Luzerne, being politically organized. Courts established, and 
the laws introduced under the auspices of Col. Pickering, sustained 
by the confirming law, he proceeded with wisdom and promptitude to 
conciliate the good will of the people — to assuage passion, to over- 
come prejudice, to inspire confidence. If Franklin was busy, Pick- 
ering was no less active. Without, in the slightest degree, lessening 
his dignity by unworthy condescension, he yet rendered himself fa- 
miliar, — talked with the farmer about corn and potatoes, and with 
their wives about the dairy, maintaining his own opinions with zeal, 
yet listening to others with respect. " He was no way a proud man," 
was the general expression of the ancient people. But they thought 
he farmed rather too much by books, and smiled to see him cart 
into his barn damp clover, to cure by its power of generating heat 
in the mow. To show his entire confidence in the faith of the State, 
and the beneficial effects to be expected from the confirming law, 
Col. Pickering immediately purchased several tracts of land of Con- 
necticut Claimants ; (the prices paid, and those for which they have 
since been sold, may furnish an interesting paragraph in a subsequent 
letter.) How entirely he sought to conform to the simple habits of 
the people, is shown by the record in his own hand writing, that 
Timothy Pickering, and some other citizens, " were elected fence 
viewers and overseers of the poor." 

Franklin, meanwhile, with characteristic industry visited from 
town to town, from settlement to settlement, and from house to house, 
kindling by his burning zeal the passions of his adherents to resist the 
laws, not by open violence, but by avoiding to commit themselves by 
taking the oath of allegiance, or participating in any measure that 
should seem to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the State, unless some 



410 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

law more comprehensive, liberal and specific, should first be enacted 
to quiet the settlers in their lands. 

At length a proposition was made and acceded to by both parties, 
that the whole people should be called together, and a general meeting 
be held to talk over the matter in common council, a sort of ancient 
" Town Meeting," though not " legally warned," to hear speakers on 
either side, and if possible, to preserve union among those who had 
so long fought and suffered together, now separating into the most 
exciting and acrimonious divisions. Old Forty Fort was chosen as 
the ground. The day fixed, the north and the south, the east and 
the west poured forth their anxious hundreds, plainly, nay, rudely 
dressed, for they were yet very poor ; but with firm tread, com- 
pressed lip, and independent bearing, for though rough and sun- 
burnt, (on this great occasion who would stay at home,) they were 
at once a shrewd and a proud, as they were a hardy and brave peo- 
ple. A platform had been erected for the Moderator and Clerks 
of the meeting, and a stand for the speakers, convenient to address 
the Assembly. 

Samuel Sutton was called on to preside. 

The meeting had come together to take into consideration the 
important matter, whether the terms qfered by the Confirming Law 
should he accepted; which involved the point whether the laws of 
Pennsylvania should be received and obeyed. On these questions, 
as we have previously intimated, there was a wide diversity of 
opinion. Throughout the Valley of Wyoming proper, wherein the 
earliest settlements were made, and the principal sufferings had been 
experienced, including the townships of Kingston, Pittston, Wilkes- 
barre, Hanover, Plymouth or Shawney; and all the country below, 
a great majority were in favour of coming in kindly under the juris- 
diction of the State, and accepting the terms held out by the Con- 
firming Law. The older men, wearied with contests, and desirous 
of repose, more especially took the part of obedience, compromise 
and peace. A few, perhaps a third, some smarting under the 
treachery of Armstrong and the insolence of Patterson, distrusted all 
promises made on behalf of Pennsylvania, however plausible and 
fairly made. Others, young men, brave and ardent, still " loved the 
rocking of the battlements," and wooed the storm that brought 
action and imparted distinction. Up the river, above and beyond 
the limits mentioned, the settlers, new and old, with greater una- 
nimity, though some division of opinion existed, preferred to rely on 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 411 

their Connecticut titles, cherishing hopes of aid, not official but 
effective, from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. So great 
a gathering had not been known in the Valley for years. Matters 
of the highest moment were to be discussed and decided. Indeed 
the future fate of Wyoming seemed to rest on their deliberations, 
and the decision of that day. Little less than war or peace appeared 
to be involved in the issue. All felt the magnitude of the question 
to be resolved. But Wyoming was no longer united. Discord had 
reared its snaky crest ; malign passions were awakened. Brother 
met brother, and friend confronted friend, not with the all hail of 
hearty good will, but with beating heart, knit brow, and the frown 
of anger and defiance. 

Col. Pickering, sustained by the Butlers, the Hollenbacks, the 
Nesbits, and the Denisons, appeared as the advocate of law and com- 
promise. Col. Franklin, supported by the Jenkinses, the Spaldings, 
the Satterlees, came forth the champion of the Connecticut title. 
Col. Pickering first ascended the rostrum, and opened the meeting 
by an able address, urging every motive in his plain common sense, 
strong and emphatic manner, that could operate, leading to a fixed 
government of law — freedom from harrassing contests for their 
homes ; the terms of compromise including all the seventeen town- 
ships established before the Trenton Decree, embracing nearly all 
the old settlers, and containing two hundred and seventy thousand 
acres of land. He pledged his honour, dearer than life, that Penn- 
sylvania was honest in her purpose, sincere in her offer of com- 
promise, and that full faith might be reposed in her promise. Half 
convinced, yet distrustful, Stephen Gardiner spoke up : " Your lips 
speak fair, but O that there was a window in that breast, that we 
might read your heart !" 

Col. Jenkins, in his brief, and sententious way, demanded: "What 
security have w^e, that if we comply and put ourselves into your 
power, the State won't repeal the law, and deal as treacherously as 
in the case of Armstrong ?" 

Col. Franklin now rose, and replied with all the bitterness he was 
master of. Dwelt on the justice of the Connecticut title; the land 
was their own, purchased by their money, their labour, and their 
blood ; the sufferings of the settlers, the wrongs and insults they had 
received from Pennsylvania, he set forth ; and declared the terms of 
compromise hollow and deceptive, and in no measured strains, (as if 
the spirit or his oath on the bloody rifle reanimated him,) denounced 
all those who took part with Pickering. At this moment, passions, 



412 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

long with difficulty suppressed, overpowered all prudential consi- 
derations, and Col. Hollenback, one of the earliest and bravest of the 
settlers, drew the butt of his riding whip and aimed a blow at Frank- 
lin's head. Caught by some friendly arm, it missed its aim ; but the 
whole meeting was instantly thrown into wild confusion. The par- 
ties ran to the neighboring wood, and each cutting a stick, returned, 
and blows, furious and severe were exchanged, until, in the wild 
melee, the meeting separated, after a vote, not very orderly taken, 
was adopted to support the laws, and accept the proposed terms of 
compromise. 

Franklin and his party excited to still greater activity, continued 
to throw every obstruction in the way of the confirming law, and 
made the most spirited opposition to the laws being received and 
obeyed. Surveyors were now out in various directions, locating 
townships under the Connecticut claim. Whole share rights and 
half share rights had become a stock of lively speculation, and no 
inconsiderable value. The dormant titles throughout Connecticut, 
and the neighboring States, were drawn forth from their long ne- 
glected repose, and purchased by speculators, or entered and survey- 
ed for the owners ; while a stream of population was literally pour- 
ing in from the east, and settling along the Susquehanna, and the 
chief branches that empty into the river, more especially in the 
more northern limits of the county. 

Soon after the dispersion of the great meeting, no little sensation 
was produced in the Valley, by the appearance of the far famed 
General Ethan Allen, from Vermont, arrayed in cocked hat and 
regimentals. The purpose of his visit was as well understood by 
Pickering as by Franklin and his associates. A grant of several 
thousand acres of land was made to him by the Susquehanna Com- 
pany. How many men he was pledged to lead from the Green 
Mountains we have no means of ascertaining ; but it was not doubted 
that his object was to reconnoiter, and concert measures for early and 
decisive action. 

A crisis was depending of highest moment, pregnant with civil war 
and revolution. Barlow and the Wolcotts, as has been previously 
intimated, had not embarked even their names, without purposes of 
import and ambition. A constitution for a new State was actually 
drawn up,* the purpose being to wrest Wyoming and the old county 

* Gen. William Ross told the writer, that being at New Haven in 1803 or 4, a gentleman 
assured him such was the fact, and that it was understood WilUam Judd, Esq., of Farming- 
ton, was to be the first Governor, and John Franklin Lieutenant Governor. The late 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 413 

of Westmoreland from the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, and es- 
tablish a new and independent government, as Vermont was esta- 
blished in despite of New York. Nor will the design be regarded 
as impracticable, when the success of the settlers on the New Hamp- 
shire grants is considered, and when the extreme weakness of the 
Federal government under the confederation is regarded. Indian 
hostilities raging in the west ; the Shays' disturbances still prevailing 
in Massachusetts, and the arm of government every where unnerved 
and powerless, to say nothing of the wrongs and contumely heaped 
upon the Wyoming people, and the general sympathy that existed 
throughout the whole country in their favoui'. 

How far the details of the plan were known to Col. Pickering, can- 
not now be ascertained ; but that his intelligent and sagacious mind 
fully comprehended the danger is not to be doubted. He saw that 
Franklin was the prime mover, the head and grand leader of the 
conspiracy, and determined that a stop should be put to his machi- 
nations. A writ was obtained from Chief Justice M'Kean, to arrest 
John Franklin on a charge of high treason. Not choosing to entrust 
even the secret to any officer in Luzerne, four gentlemen, of known 
resolution, activity and strength, were deputed on the perilous 
duty. Captain Lawrence Erbe, Capt. Brady, and Lieut. McCor- 
mick, who had held commissions in the army, were the principal 
personages entrusted with the confidential service. Col. Franklin, 
at the close of September, had been on a political tour down the west 
side of the river to Huntington and Salem, and returned by Hanover 
to Wilkesbarre, when, as he stood by Mr. Yarrington's, near the ferry, 
it being about two o'clock in the afternoon, a person whom he knew 
came up and said, " a friend at the red house wished to speak to 
him." Unconscious of danger he walked down, when suddenly he 
was seized behind, and an attempt made to pinion his arms. By 
powerful efforts he shook himself loose ; was again seized, but by the 
most vigorous exertions kept his opponents from their purpose, till 
a noose was thrown over his head, and his arms confined ; the power 
of all four being requisite to tie him. To get him on horseback was 



Capt, RicharJs, a highly intelligent and worthy man, being from Parmington, it occurred to 
me to inquire of him. His reply was prompt and distinct, leaving no doubt in respect 
to the matter. " Yes, perfectly familiar to me. Capt. Judd showed me the draft of the 
constitution. It was drawn up by Oliver Wolcott. I well remember it commenced like 
the Declaration of Independence, by setting forth a series of wrongs, or the declaration of 
righls, justifying the deed, and then came the organization, &c." 



414 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

the next object. Col. Franklin now cried out : " help, help ! William 
Slocum ! Where is William Slocum ?" and drawing his pistols, for 
he went armed, discharged one of them without effect, when a heavy 
blow struck him for a moment almost senseless, and covered his face 
with blood. The hour had been judiciously selected, — in the midst 
of seeding time. William Slocum, with nearly all the male popu- 
lation, were at work in distant fields sowing grain. But the spirit 
of the good Quaker mother was aroused. Her Yankee blood was up. 
A lovely and amiable woman she was, but for the moment she thought 
of nothing but the release of Franklin. Mrs. Slocum seized the gun, 
and running to her door, " William," she cried, " Who will call Wil- 
liam ? Is there no man here? Will nobody rescue him?" 

From the river bank Capt. Erbe had got his prisoner into the main 
street near Col. Pickering's, but with tremendous power, in despite of 
his four captors, Franklin threw himself from the horse, as often as 
placed on him, when Col. Pickering was obliged to come from behind 
the curtain, and decisively to interpose. Accompanied by his servant, 
William A. George, he ran to the door armed with a loaded pistol, 
which he held to Franklin's breast, while George tied his legs under 
the horse, and bound him to one of his captors. 

Col. Pickering says : " The four gentlemen seized him, two of 
their horses were in my stable, which were sent to them ; but soon 
my servant returned on one of them, vrith a message from the gen- 
tlemen that the people were assembling in numbers, and requested 
me to come with what men were near me, to prevent a rescue. I 
took loaded pistols in my hands, and went with another servant to 
their aid. Just as I met them, Franklin threw himself off his horse, 
and renewed his struggle with them. His hair was disheveled and 
face bloody with preceding efforts. I told the gentlemen they would 
never carry him off unless his feet were tied under his horse's belly. 
I sent for a cord. The gentlemen remounted him, and my servant 
tied his feet. Then one taking his bridle, another following behind, 
and the others riding one on each side, they whipped up his 
horse, and were soon beyond the reach of his friends." Thus sub- 
dued by six, he was hurried with painful speed to the jail of Phi- 
ladelphia. 

A paper of that city announces the event, showing its estimated 
consequence by the following exciting paragraph : — 

" October 6, 1787. We are informed that John Franklin, the hero 
of Wyoming, has been seized by several of the friends of govern- 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 415 

ment, and brought to this city. It is hoped that some legal steps 
will be taken to subdue the turbulent spirit of this modern Shays, who 
has been the chief cause of the discontents in the county of Luzerne, 
and has uniformly labored to involve the county in a civil war. 
Every overture that has been made on the part of government 
has been rendered ineffectual by his machinations, and even his elec- 
tion as a representative in the General Assembly was not sufficient 
to gratify his ambition.*' " Better to reign in hell, than serve in 
heaven," has ever been a favourite sentiment with the demons of 
sedition," 

All Wyoming was in commotion from Nescopeck to the State 
line, on hearing of the abduction of Franklin, and the part CoL 
Pickering had acted in the scene. 

Immediate measures were adopted by the partizans of the Yan- 
kee leaders to seize Col. Pickering, and carry him off" as a hostage 
for the safety of Franklin. A guard had been detailed for the protec- 
tion of his family by Dr. W. H. Smith, of which Col. Butler volun- 
teered to take the command. Under the lead of Swift and Satterlee, 
the Tioga boys, or wild Yankees, surrounded the house in the even- 
ing, and demanded admittance, threatening in case of refusal or re- 
sistance, to set the buildings on fire. No satisfactory reply being 
given, a fire was absolutely kindled, when Col. Butler went out to 
the besiegers. " I pledge you my word," said he, " that Col. Pick- 
ering is not within ; but to satisfy your party, Capt. Swift, as I have 
confidence in your honour, and that of Mr. Satterlee, we will allow 
you to come in and search — more would only give unnecessary dis- 
turbance to the family." A stipulation was made, that all the arms 
of both sides should be placed in the custody of a committee mutually 
chosen. While the search was making, old friends and comrades 
chatted socially together. Col. Pickering apprised of their approach 
had escaped to the fields. But his own account of the matter pos- 
sesses too much interest not to be quoted. 

" The rising of Franklin's men was expected from the opposite 
side of the river. I desired my friends to place sentinels along the 
bank, where they might discover the first movements for crossing the 

* The fact we have not been able ofBcially to verify, but presume Col. Pickering in his 
profound policy had procured the choice of Franklin to the Assembly, at the February elec- 
tion ; knowing if he took the oath of allegiance his honour would not suffer him to pursue 
measures hostile to the integrity of the State ; but he would neither accept the office, nor 
take the oath. His previous oath on the " bloody rifle" yet forbade. 



416 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

river, and then sat down to sup with my family. Before I had finished 
that meal, a sentinel came in haste from the river, and informed me 
that Franklin's adherents were crossing in boats. My house was 
within a furlong of the river. I took up a loaded pistol, and three 
or four small biscuits, and retired to a neighboring field. Soon the 
yell of the insurgents apprised me of their arrival at my house. I 
listened to their noises a full half hour, when the clamour ceasing, I 
judged that the few armed neighbors, who had previously entered 
and fastened the doors, had surrendered. This was the fact. The 
rioters, (as I afterwards learned from your mother,) searched the 
house for me, and for concealed arms, if any there were. 

" While I was listening, Griffith Evans, secretary to the board of 
commissioners, and a lodger at my house, retiring from it, fortu- 
nately taking the same course, joined me. Believing that when they 
should have searched the house in vain, they would proceed to the 
near fields to find me, I told Mr. Evans it would be well to retire 
still farther. When we had gained the side of Wilkesbarre mountain, 
•we laid ourselves down and got some sleep. In the morning I de- 
scried at the distance of a mile or more, a log house, which was on a 
lot of land I had purchased, and near a mile from the village, and 
occupied by an honest German, whose daughter lived with your 
mother as a maid. I proposed to Mr. Evans, as he had no personal 
injury ta apprehend from the rioters, to go to the log house, and ask 
the German, in my behalf, to go down to my house, (which, as his 
daughter was there, would be perfectly natural,) and if he could see 
your mother, inquire what was the state of things, and whether I 
could return with safety. Mr. Evans waited his return ; and then 
brought me word from your mother, that I must remain concealed, 
for they were still searching for me. It was now about eleven 
o'clock. I told Mr. Evans that as I could not return to Wilkesbarre, 
we had better proceed for Philadelphia, and inform the Executive of 
the state of things at Wyoming. He readily assented, and we imme- 
diately commenced our march. It was through pathless woods, and 
we had no provisions except the three or four biscuits I had put into 
my pocket the preceding evening. That we might not get lost, I 
proposed turning short to our left, to strike the road leading from 
Wyoming, and thence take our departure with more safety. We 
did so ; and then again darting into the woods, proceeded as nearly 
as we could judge, in a line parallel to the road, but not in sight of 
it. A little before sun-setting we came to a small run of water. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 417 

which I supposed to be the " nine mile run," being at that distance 
from Wilkesbarre. I therefore desired Mr. Evans to go cautiously- 
down the run till he should strike the road which crossed it. He did 
so, it was not far off. On his return we concluded to lie down to 
get some sleep, intending to rise when the moon should be up, at 
about two the next morning and prosecute our journey. About two 
miles from the nine mile run was Bear Creek, a stream perhaps forty 
or fifty feet wide, and without a bridge. Having several times tra- 
veled that road, I knew when we approached it. There I thought 
it probable the insurgents had posted a small guard to intercept me, 
leaving their main guard at a deserted cabin four miles back. Mr. 
Evans proposed to advance alone, to reconnoiter, and if he discovered 
there any armed men to halloo, that I might escape into the woods. 
I told him that was impracticable ; fatigued and destitute of pro- 
visions, I could not fly ; that each of us had a loaded pistol ; that 
I presumed the guard at the creek would not exceed three men ; 
that if they attempted to take us, we must each kill his man, when 
the third would be glad to escape. With this determination we pro- 
ceeded. The creek was not guarded, we forded it, and then marched 
at our ease. In the morning, we reached the first inhabited house 
about twenty-five miles from Wilkesbarre.*' Here we were refreshed 

* A letter, obligingly furnished me by J. Jordan, jr., Esq., one of the Secretaries of the 
Pennsylvania Historical Society, throws light upon this part of our narrative. 

October 6, 1787. E'r. Smithfield, writes to the Council, viz : '-Yester- 

day morning being on the Wyoming road, at a small distance from Larner's house, I met 
Timothy Pickering and Mr. Evans, secretary, entering our settlements in a distressed situa- 
tion. Being informed of the coup de main executed on Franklin, and apprehensive of the 
natural consequences attending such 'conduct, I asked for information, when to my great sur- 
prise, I understood from Mr. Pickering, that although he narrowly escaped the vengeance of 
the Connecticut banditti, and had left behind his lady and children, likely to be taken as 
hostages for Franklin ; he was going to Philadelphia, to compromise matters with John 
Franklin. His expressions I believe startedifrom a repenting and disappointed heart, in the 
expansion of which I understood he had wrote a letter to J. Swift, present leader of the fac- 
tion, promising an act of amnesty for him, Franklin and party, provided they would submit to 
his fugitive plan of submission to our laws. He furt4ier added that his first exertion in the 
city would be to pay a visit to tlie prisoner Frankhn, and should propose to him once more to 
make him and Swift, men of great importance on the above condition. It hurted ray feel- 
ings to conceive, that one individual as Mr. Pickering, in a free and constitutional govern- 
miHit, should confer or pretend to dispose of the three branches of our political existence, at 
the same time that he confesses of the necessity of coercive measures and sees the dignity of 
government exposed. The tu.mult continues in Wyoming — the apprehension of Franklin, 
1 believe has only hastened the period of their clandestine opposition to Governmeiit. I 
hope it will convince our legislators of the impropriety of purchasing peace at the expense 
and ruin of individuals, from a set of men devoted to disturb public tranquillity. 

FRANCIS SMITH. 
27 ' 



418 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

^vith a comfortable breakfast, and then went on our way. Having 
traveled some miles farther, we came to some farmers' houses, where 
we hired horses, and then continued our journey to Philadelphia. 

'* On my return to Wilkesbarre, I was informed that the arrange- 
ment of the guards to intercept me, was precisely as I had conjec- 
tured. A subaltern's command marched to the deserted cabin, 
whence three men were detached to Bear Creek, where they waited 
till night, when they returned to the cabin ; concluding that I had 
reached the creek before them. 

" The insurgents, soon brought to reflection, and deprived of the 
counsel and direction of their leader, Franklin, began to relent, and 
sent a petition to the Executive Council, acknowledging their offence, 
and praying for a pardon. This was readily granted ; and Colonel 
Denison, the Luzerne counsellor, went up with the pardon. It was 
natural to infer from this, that I might return in safety to my 
family. I proceeded accordingly; but when within twenty-five miles, 
I sent by a servant who was with me, a letter to your mother, 
desiring her to consult some of the discreet neighbours, who were 
my friends, relative to my return. She did so. They were of 
opinion that I could not return with safety at present. So I went 
back to Philadelphia. 

" In September, 1787, the Convention of Delegates from the 
several States, to form a Constitution for the United States, which 
had been sitting several months in Philadelphia, concluded their 
labours. They recommended that the Constitution should be sub- 
mitted to a Convention of Delegates, to be chosen in each State, by 
the people thereof, under the recommendation of its Legislature, for 
their assent and ratification. Such a Convention being called by the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania, the people of Luzerne county chose me 
their delegate to represent them in it. This Convention assembled in 
Philadelphia, (where I still remained,) I think, early in December. 
After a great deal of discussion, the Convention assented to and rati- 
fied the Constitution. It was engrossed on parchment, and received 
the signatures of nearly all the Delegates, including the opposers 
while under discussion, with the exception of some three or four 
obstinate men, and, to the best of ray recollection of their characters, 
as ignorant as obstinate. The opposers of its adoption were the 
extra-republicans or democrats — the same sort of men who after- 
wards were called anti-federalists, and who uniformly opposed all the 
leading measures of the federal administration of the General 
Government. 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 4I9 

** I could now no longer doubt that I might return to Wyoming. I 
arrived there the beginning of January, 1788." 

At the Fall election Col. Denison was again returned to the 
Executive Council, and Capt. John Paul Schott was chosen mem- 
ber of Assembly. 

Thus closed the year 1787, and no bow of promise gave hope 
that the succeeding year would be less distinguished by violence 
and disorder. 



LETTER XXTri 



1788— Col. Pickering's return— Violent Abduction— Hia Account, with Notes— "^anteie' 
War— A saucy Boy— Capt Ro3s wounded, Joseph Dudley killed— Col. Franklin in Phila'» 
delphia Jail— The Lion Tamed— Released on ^Bail— Chief Justice M'Kean and Judge 
E.ush— Trials — Dawn of Peace.] 



Col. Pickerin© from his honourable exile to Philadelphia, where he 
had performed the acceptable service of a delegate to ratify the 
Federal Constitution,* returned to Luzerne early in January, 1788. 

No incident of importance marked the first part of the year ; but 
the violent abdqction of that gentleman in June, was a measure of 
the most exciting character, leading up civil war in its train, and 
again staining the fair fields of Wyoming with blood. 

Col. Pickering's own narrative of that event I have chosen to copy, 
from the deep interest which the recital, by himself, cannot fail to 
excite and gratify; but, at the same time, Ss much matter presents 
itself in his letter for observation, I shall throw into notes, a free 
commentary as we proceed. 

" On the 26th of June, at about 11 at night, when your mother and 
I were asleep, and your brother Edward, nine months old, was lying 
on my arm, I was awakened by a violent opening of the door of the 
room. " Who's there ?" I asked t " Get up," was the answer. " Don't 
strike," said I, " I have an infant on my arm." — I had no doubt that 
the intruders were ruffians come to execute the long menaced 
attack. 

* Col. Stone seems to think it an extraordinary instance of inconsistency, that the people' 
of Luzerne should " select Col. Pickering of all others, to sit in judgment, upon an instru- 
ment, which if adopted was to become the grand regulating machinery of their political and 
religious principles, the charter of their liberty, and that of their posterity in all time to come, 
while they would not trust the same individual to decide for them in a matter of a contested 
title of a few hundred dollars worth of land !" It may be remarked that the people of Lu- 
zerne were now divided in twain. Those who elected Col. Pickering had no hand in his 
exile. Those who would have laid the hand of violence on him, would not take the oath of 
allegiance, and were, therefore, not voters. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 421 

" I rolled Edward from my arm, rose, and put on my clothes. Your 
mother slipped out of the other side of the bed ; and putting on some 
clothes went to the kitchen, and soon returned with a lighted candle. 
Then we saw the room filled with men armed with guns and hatchets, 
having their faces blacked, and handkerchiefs tied round their heads. 
Their first act was to pinion me ; tying my arms together with a cord, 
above my elbows, and crossed over my back. To the middle of this 
cord they tied another, long enough for one of them to take hold of, 
to prevent my escaping from them. They told me it would be well 
to take a blanket or outer garment, for I should be a long time in a 
situation where I should want it.* I desired your mother to get me 
an old surtout, which was in the chamber.f She quickly returned, 
and I received it on one of my arms. They then led me off, and 
hastened through the village of Wilkesbarre, in perfect silence. 
Having traveled a couple of miles, they halted a few minutes. Then 
resuming their march, proceeded to Pittstown, ten or eleven miles up 
the river from Wilkesbarre. Here they stopped at a tavern and 
called for whiskey — offering some to me, which I did not accept ; I 
drank some water. 

" In twenty minutes, they left this house, and pursuec^^their march. 
■ — There were about fifteen of them— arranged in ray front, my rear, 
and on both fianks. We were in the darkness and stillness of night. 
As we proceeded, one of the ruffians at my side thus accosted me — 
'^'- Now if you will only write two or three lines to the Executive 
Council, they will discharge Col. Franklin, and then we will release 
you." Instantly I answered — " The Executive Council better un- 
derstand their duty, than to discharge a traitor to procure the re- 
lease of an innocent man." — " Damn him, (exclaimed a voice before 
me) why don't you tomahawk him ?" this wrath of the ruffian (1) was 

[* Two Notes by Col. P. — When I stepped out of bed, the first garment I took up waS a 
coat, in a pocket cf which was a packet of letters which I had written to one or more of my 
acquaintances, Members of Congress, (then sitting at New York) detailing the conduct and 
characters of some of the leaders in the nefarious measures of the Sust^uehanna Company; 
which letters Mr. Andrew Elieot, then at Wilkesbarre, and who was to set off for Philadel- 
phia the next morning, was to take with him. I dropped the coat, and felt for a pair of 
fustian trowsers, and fustian jacket with sleeves. These I put on— and my shoes. 

+ Your mother afterwards informed me that one of the ruffians foUow/ed her to the chamber, 
and threatened to tomahawk her, if she made any noise.] 

Note 1. (To Pickering's letter.) " This wrath of the ruffian.*' This is the third time 
within the limits of a page, that the word ruffian is applied to his captors. Granting to Col. 
Pickering, which we cheerfully do, the possession of unspotted integrity, we still think his 
narrative should be read with a knowledge that strong prejudice was a marked characteristic 
of bis otherwise laanJy mind. li does noi appear .that moEe severity was used, than was 



422 HISTORY OP WYOMING?. 

excited by the word " traitor," applied to their old leader, Franklin.> 
No more words were uttered on this subject. 

We soon reached the river Lachawannack, about two miles from 
the tavern. After searching a little while, they found a canoe, in 
which some of them passed over. On its return I stepped in, with 
the others of the gang. The water was low, and the canoe touched 
the bottom before we reached the shore. I was going to step out and 
wade to the shore. " Stop " — said one of them, who had a pack on 
his back. He waded to the shore — laid down his pack — returned to 
the side of the canoe, and carried me on his hack to the shore. (2) 

" Proceeding upwards, we in a little while came to a ferry. The 
day had dawned. They crossed over in a scow (a large flat-bottomed 
boat) to the western side of the Susquehanna ; and we continued our 
march, on the shore of the river, for an hour or two ; then struck into 
the woods, and pursued the course upwards, out of sight of the river. 
About four in the afternoon, they arrived at a log house near the 
bank of the river about thirty miles above Wilkesbarre. Here they 
had victuals cooked, and I ate with a good appetite ; having fasted 
since I was taken the preceding night. 

" Seeing a bed in the room, I laid myself down upon it. I do not 
recollect when they unpinioned me. I had lain but a little whilcj 
when a man arrived in a boat from Jacob's Plains, a small settlement 
about two miles and a half above Wilkesbarre. I knew the man. 
The ruffians (supposing that I was asleep) inquired with eagerness, 
what was the news below ; and whether the militia had turned out 
to pursue them. He answered in the affirmative. I immediately 
saw that I should not be suffered to keep my place on the bed. In a 
few minutes, one of them came to the bed side and said " get up." I 

indispensable to his safe keeping. Such refreshments as they ©btainecJ for themselves at 
Lackawanna, were freely placed at his service. With considerate thoughtfulness they ad- 
vised him to take a blanket, showing that they desired he should be comfortable. " Now 
only write two or three lines to the Executive Council — they will release Franklin, and we 
■will release you." This key unlocks the whole affair. No rufEan malevoleiice mingled in 
the abduction. The sole object was the release of their friend and leader in a thousand 
troubles. To almost any other mind it would have occurred, that those men, though in 
error, might be actuated by noble and generous sentiments. After the violence, the wrongs, 
the perfidy exhibited towards the settlers, by Armstrong and Patterson, acting in the name 
of Pennsylvania, no great stretch of charity was requisite, to allow that a very honest man 
might doubt the sincerity of the new overtures for compromise. 

Note 2. Col. Pickering crossed over in the canoe with others of the ^' gang.'* But it 
seems they would not allow him even to wet his feet. One of this gang of ruffians abso- 
lutely took him on his shoulders to the shore. Courtesy and kindness appear to have marked 
their o©,nduet» 



HISTORY OP WYOMING, 423 

rose, and they took me directly back from the river, a quarter of a 
mile ; and behind a rising ground they rested for the night. It thun- 
dered ; and a heavy rain soon wet us to the skin. At day-light one 
of the crew went to the house : and finding all quiet, he returned, and 
we all went thither. The drying of our clothes, and eating breakfast, 
employed us till about ten o'clock. Standing with them on the bank 
of the river, I observed a man on the other side, leading a horse. It 
was on the shore of the river. Being near sighted, I did not know 
him. But one of them exclaimed — *' There goes Major Jenkins, 
now, — a damned stinking son of a bitch." By this courteous obser- 
vation on the second man of the party, and the first in Franklin's 
absence, it was apparent, that after encouraging and engaging them 
in the diabolical outrage upon me he had deserted them.(3) He, in fact 
kept on his route, went into the State of New York, and there, being 
a land surveyor, found employment, during the residue of the season, 
and until tranquillity was finally restored to the county. 

" By this time the blacking had disappeared from the faces of the 
ruflians; when I found two of them to be sons of one Dudley, a car- 
penter and a near neighbour at Wilkesbarre. The others were all 
before unknown to me. 

" They now prepared to cross over to the eastern side of the Sus- 
quehanna. Gideon Dudley came up to me with a pair of handcuffs, 
with which to manacle me. To this I objected, as they v/ere going 
to cross the river in a small canoe, and I desired to have a chance of 
saving my life by swimming, if it should overset. At this moment 
Mr. Earl (whom I had not known, but who was father to two of the 
party) interposed — telling Dudley that there was no danger of an 
escape, and advising him not to put the irons upon me. He ac- 
cordingly forbore. — We crossed the river ; and they pursued their 
march. In an hour they halted ; the leader of the band selected four, 



Note 3. " Ruffians" " Crew^' " Diabolical Outrage," — garnish the next page, show- 
ing the bitterness of his feelings that existed after thirty years had passed away. The 
harsh remariis on Col. Jenkins do not warrant the inference, we think, which has been 
drawn from it. Col. Jenkins never put his hand to an enterprize, however hazardous, and 
then shrunk from it, leaving his companions. Col. Jenkins had warned Col. Pickering of the 
danger. " Fore-warned, forearmed,'' he might have taken it as a friendly caution, but chose 
to regard it as a threat. It was no new enterprise on the part of Co!. Jenkins to go into 
the Genesee country surveying. For two or three years he had been engaged with Dewit, 
in laying out the fine western lands in New York, and the reader must have observed that 
his name does not appear, or if at all, seldom in the contests of 1785-6. With a large 
and growing family, no one more sincerely desired repose, that industry might reap its just 
reward. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

and bid the rest go on. — With these four and me, he darted directly 
into the woods. This excited some apprehension in me, of personal 
mischief; especially as one of them, by the name of Cady, sustained, 
as I understood, a very bad character. The leader of this band was 
a hunter, and had his rifle gun with him. As we proceeded a fawn 
was started, and as he bounded along, the hunter shot him, and in 
five minutes had his skin off, and the carcass slung on his back. At 
the distance of three or four miles from the river, they halted, close 
by a very small run of water. A fire being quickly kindled, they 
began to cook some of the venison. The hunter took his first cut. 
They sharpened small sticks at both ends, running one into a slice of 
the fawn and setting the other end into the ground, the top of the 
stick bearing so near the fire as to broil the flesh. Being hungry, I 
borrowed one of their knives, and followed their example. — I observed 
the hunter tending his steak with great nicety ; and sprinkling it with 
a little salt, as soon as it was done, he with a very good grace, pre- 
sented it to me ! (4) 

" Before night, they cut down some limbs of trees, and formed a 
slight booth, to shelter us from the dew. One of them taking post as 
a sentinel, we lay down on the ground: my pillow was a stone. — In 
this situation we remained about a week. (5) At first, they had some 
good salt pork, and wheaten bread that lasted two or three days ; 
after which they got Indian meal, which they made into cakes, or 
fried, as pancakes, in the fat of the pork. Of the pork they were 
very sparing; frying only two or three small slices at a time, and 
cutting them up in the pan. Such was our breakfast, dinner and 
supper: my share did not exceed five mouthfuls of pork at each 
meal.*' (6) They fared better — sopping up, with their bread or cakes, 

Note 4. Considering that Cady was the worst of the ruffian gang, this was very civil. 

Note 5. Perhaps the first night ; but with attendants so obliging, we can hardly suppose 
Col. P. kept his stone pillow the whole week. A bass-wood log we have often used in the 
woods, a stone seldom — never. Attention is called to this point to show that prejudice 
tinges the account, and it must therefore be received with some slight grains of allowance; 
nothing to detract from the outline, but something to be softened in the colouring. 

[* " Yet I never felt more alert and vigorous in my life; which I ascribed to my necessary 
extreme temperance."^ 

Note 6. The Colonel was a soldier, and took proper note of his rations. At Tunkhan- 
nock "they cooked victuals, and I ate with a good appetite." At another time, Cady "with 
a good grace, presented him a nice venison steak." Now they have pork and johnny cake; 
but he repines that for his share he got only "five mouthfuls of pork at each meal." That 
is fifteen mouthfuls, or about half a pound a day. And venison could not have been scarce. 
But Col. Pickering was remarkable for his fine appetite and powerful digestion. Afterwards 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 425 

all the fat in the pan, of which I felt no inclination to participate.^ 
It was here I told them they would repent of their doings ; and in- 
stead of being supported by four hundred men in the county, as they 
had professed to believe, that they would be abandoned to their 
fate. 

" From this station they marched a few miles, and took another, in 
a narrow valley, a sequestered place, and about two or three miles 
from the Susquehanna. We had no sooner halted than they came to 
me with a chain five or six feet long, having at one end a band like 
the bands of horse-fetters. Col. Franklin, they said, had been put in 
irons, in the Philadelphia jail, and they must put irons on me, al- 
though it was not agreeable to them to do it ; " but their great men 
required it." Satisfied that it would be in vain to remonstrate, I 
was silent. They fixed the band of the chain round my ankle, se- 
curing it with a flat key, which they twisted, to prevent its being 
cut off without a tool to untwist the key. The other end of the chain 
they fastened by a staple to a tree. In this situation I remained an 
hour or more ; and they employed themselves in forming a booth with 
the boughs of trees. This chain, besides its conformity with the orders 
of their " great men," saved my gentlemen from the burden of mount- 
ing guard every night. When we lay down, they placed me in the 
middle, and one of them wrapped the chain round one of his legs ; so 
that I could not rise to attempt an escape, without waking him up. 
But I determined not to make the attempt — for I soon considered that 
my life was not in danger ; and I expected them to grow weary of 
their enterprise : so I patiently endured present affliction. Besides, 
if I escaped they could take me again, unless I quitted the county ; 
which was the precise object of the outrage — to get rid of me. 

We had* been in this valley but two or three days, when, one 
morning, whilst all my guard were fast asleep, I heard a brisk firing 
of musquetry. It was a skirmish, I had no doubt, between the 
" Boys " (as these fellows called their party) and the militia who had 
come from below to discover them, and rescue me. But I let them 
sleep on ; nor. did I tell them of the firing after they awoke. After 
breakfast, one of them went down to a house by the river, in their 
interest, and retuifned in haste, to tell his comrades that the "Boys " 

durincf Washington's administration, when negotiating a treaty with the Indians, a vast 
table was surrounded by commissioners, contractors, attendants, and braves. The conver- 
sation turned upon the characteristic designation of the chiefs; one was that of the eagle, 
another of the tortoise. An old warrior seeing Col. P. swallowing his eleventh cup of coffee, 
with viandi! in proportion, exclaimed — " He ; Wolf Tribe." 



426 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

and militia had met, and that in the battle, captain Ross, who com- 
manded the militia, was mortally wounded.* At the close of this, or 
the next day, they marched down to the river, and sought for a canoe 
to cross to the western side ; but could find none. We were now 
at Black-Walnut Bottom, about forty-four miles above Wilkesbarre. 
Thus disappointed they marched back into the woods, and we lay 
down for the night. The next day, towards evening, they went again 
to the river and crossed it. It was so dark that at the distance of 
thirty or forty yards we might pass unseen. They passed through a 
thick wood to the house of one Kilborn, father to two of the party. 
There we lodged. The next morning they pushed back into the 
woods, about four miles from the river. This was the third and last 
station. This changing from place to place, was to prevent their 
being discovered by the militia, who came from below, at different 
times to find them. 

" On the 15th of July, Gideon Dudley (who now appeared to have 
the command) with two others came out to our station. It was late 
in the afternoon. After lounging about for some time, as if they did 
not know what to do with themselves, they approached me ; and 
Dudley asked—" Don't you wish to be set at liberty ?" — " To be 
sure I do " — was my answer. After a little pause, Dudley accosted 
me — " What will you do for us if we will set you at liberty ? — "What 
do you wish me to do for you ?" was my reply. " Will you inter- 
cede for Col. Franklin's pardon ?" (7) " No, I will not." This answer 
was evidently unexpected ; they were confounded ; and retiring, they 
for some time laid their heads together. Then again coming near, one 
of them asked — " Will you intercede for our pardon? — After a mo- 
mentary pause, I aswered — " While I have been in your hands, you 
have told me of your ' Great Men,' and that you have been acting in 
obedience to their orders. By them you have been misled and de- 
ceived. Give me their names, and I have no doubt of obtaining ^/o^^r 
pardon." — This they could not do, they said, without going down to 
their Head Quarters, and consulting the main body ; and turned on 

[* " He was badly wounded, but recovered. Gideon Dudley received from the militia a 
ball through his hand."] 

JNote 7. " Will you intercede for Col. Franklin's pardon 1" Neither retaliation, revenge, 
nor malicious mischief, actuated them. Only " intercede for Franklin," was the generous 
purpose. But for their own pardon he would solicit, if they would disclose the names of 
their " great men," their leaders and advisers. This they with true honour refused to do. 
While these incidents were transpiring in the sequestered glen, where the distinguished 
prisoner was held in durance, all the rest part of the country was in a state of extreme 
agitation. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 427 

their heels to depart — " Stop," said I, " and knock off this chain." 
They instantly took off the chain, that I had carried about for ten 
days. 

" I lay down with my guard that night, not doubting of my 
speedy release. As soon as it was light, I rose, put the fire-brands 
together (in the woods, a fire is generally kept up at night even in 
the warmest weather;) mixed up some of their miserable coarse Indian 
meal for cakes, spread the dough on pieces of hemlock bark (the usual 
trenchers) and set them to the fire. As soon as it was light enough to 
see our green tea, I went to gather it. This was the winter green, 
bearing red berries, which went by the name of partridge berries. 
Infused in boiling water, the winter green makes a tolerable warm 
beverage.* 

By this time my guard were awake, the tea was boiled and the 
cakes were baked. I told them that expecting to be released, I had 
risen and got the breakfast ready, in order to gain time ; for if re- 
leased, I had a particular desire to reach home the next day.f I then 
proposed that we should go to their head-quarters, without delay ; 
where, if released, it would be well ; if not, I would come back with 
them again into the woods. They readily assented — took up their 
kettle and frying-pan — (our kitchen furniture) and down we marched. 
When arrived near to their head-quarters, they halted. One went to 
announce our arrival. Two or three came out, Gideon Dudley at 
their head — when he put to me the original question, " Will you in- 
tercede for Col. Franklin's pardon 1" " I will answer no question till 
I am set at liberty," was my return. They conducted me into Kil- 
born's house. 

" It was now the 16th of July. Nineteen days had passed away, 
while I had been their prisoner. Having no razor, nor a second shirt, 
I had neither shaved nor changed my linen during that whole time.— 
They had told me, if I desired clothing or any thing else from home, 
and I would write for them, they should be brought to me. (8) I 

[ * "They once asked me if I should like a dish of coffee. ' A dish of coffee by all nieanSj' 
I answered. They went to work. Boihng water in their iron pot, to make it clean, then 
emptying it, they set it over to heat. They next strev^ed into it some Indian meal ; and 
when it was roasted, they poured in water: and as soon as it was boiled, the coffee was made. 
It was an agreeable change for our green tea."] 

[ + " It would be the 17th of July— my birth day."J 

Note 8. " Clothing or any thing else" that you want, Col. Pickering, shall be brought 
you from home. This does not look like wanton oppression. " Only intercede for our 
beloved Franklin." Noble fellows—^they scarcely deserved from him the harsh epithet of a 
" gang of ruffians." 



428 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

accordingly wrote to your mother for clothing — and for a book. She 
sent them up as directed, and they arrived at Zebulon Marcy's at 
Tunkhannock ; and there I found them, after I was released. The 
shirt I wore from home, I repeatedly took off, and washed as well 
as I could, in cold water and without soap. 

" As soon as I entered Kilborn's house, they brought me a razor 
and soap to shave, and a clean shirt, and pair of stockings ; and told 
me I was at liberty. They roasted some chickens, and gave me as 
good a dinner as the poor wretches could furnish. (9) 

" While dinner was preparing, they renewed their request, that I 
would intercede for Franklin's pardon. This I again perempto- 
rily refused to do. Then they made the same request for themselves; 
and I again told them that I could venture to assure them of pardons, 
if they would give me the names of their " Great Men " who had insti- 
gated them to commit the outrage I had endured at their hands. 
They consulted together for some time ; and finally told me they could 
not give up their names. " This (I said to them) is a very unwise 
determination. Here are two-and-twenty of you (I had counted 
them) who may all obtain pardon, if you will give me the names of 
your employers ; and among so many, some one at least, to save him- 
self, will turn state's evidence ; you had better therefore give me the 
names of the men who have engaged you in this wicked business." 
" Whoever does it, said Gideon Dudley, ought to go to hell, and be 
damned everlastingly." (10) 

" They then made a last request, that I would write a petition for 
them to the Executive Council praying for pardons, and carrying it 
with me to Wilkesbarre, take an opportunity to send it to Philadel- 
phia. With this, undeserving as they were, I complied. 

" It was now late in the afternoon ; and unless I went to Tunkhan- 
nock (distant twelve miles) that night, I could not reach home the 
next day. They had a good boat in which they carried me down. It 
was dark when they landed. I had only set my foot on shore, when 
the two Earls came to me, aside, and offered to become evidences for 
the state upon an assurance of pardon. This I ventured to give them : 
but the rogues, when brought before the court, divulged none of the 

Note 9. The " poor wretches,"— not so harsh. The savory oJour of the " roasted chick- 
ens," in some measure softened his ire. 

Note 10. The expression of Dudley is rough enough ; but the rugged coat cannot con- 
ceal from view the noble sentiment of integrity, fidelity a.nd honour, that lies beneath it. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 420 

names of their " Great men ;" and reluctantly furnished any evidence 
against their companions. (11) 

" Walking from the landing place about a mile, across the Tunk- 
hannock bottom land, we arrived at the house of Zebulon Marcy, to 
get supper and lodging. There I found the bundle of clothing 
Vi^hich your mother had sent up for me ; and there, also, I found an 
inhabitant of Pittstown, going down the river as far as Lachawan- 
nock Creek. And Tuttle, one of the ' Boys,' said he would go down 
with us, and take his chance. The next morning, we three set off in 
a canoe. Landing the man destined for Lachawannock, the other 
went on with me to Wilkesbarre. On the way, he told me that he 
had joined the * boys ' but two or three days before, in order to dis- 
cover where I was, and get me rescued out of their hands. (12) 

" Stepping ashore at Wilkesbarre, I walked directly to our house. 
You were standing at the front door. As I drew near, you looked 
a moment — appeared frightened — and retired. Before I reached the 
door, your mother came with Edward in her arms. Consternation 
marked her countenance — as if I had been an apparition. My return 
so soon was wholly unexpected ; and she looked at me as if to satisfy 
herself of the reality. 

" Without waiting the result of their petition to the Executive 
Council, most of the actual perpetrators of the outrage upon me, fled 

Note 11. Though a man of unusual intelligence, as well as fortitude, Col. P., it is 
evident, did not perfectly comprehend the Yankee tactics. The Earls were not traitors — 
there was not a drop of traitor blood in their veins. Doubtless the measure was adopted with 
the assent of their companions. Having two witnesses secured, of course Utile pains V70uld 
be taken to search for, or summon others, and with them their companions were safe. 

Note 12. Nor was Tuttle a recreant to his faith. " Deceive your enemy," is a maxim of 
war. It was important to their safety that Pickering should be conciliated and watched. 
The Earls and Tuttle, shrewd men, were best able to throw him off his guard ; draw out 
his opinions, and fathom his purposes. There was not one of that "gang of ruffians," 
we firmly believe, who would not sooner have sacrificed his life, than betrayed his fellows; 
An anecdote of Benjamin Earl is too good to be lost, and yet so nearly approaches the 
indelicate, that pardon must be solicited for its recital. A writ issued for his apprehension 
growing out of the Yankee disturbances, was put into the hands of our old friend Westover^ 
(who stood by Cooper in the Indian battle,) now a constable, to serve. Mr. Earl, a very 
small man, though he had a large spirit, had just married a buxom girl of four times his 
size. In the dead of night Westover and his assistants demanded admittance. Pressing her 
little spouse deep in the feathers, for the object of the visit was known, and placing her- 
self on her back over him, so that there appeared but one person in bed, she answered, 
" Come in, who is there 1" " Westover!" " Come, Earl, you are my prisoner," and en- 
tered the room with a light. " For shame, Mr. Westover," said Mrs Earl. " I here a lone 
woman to be so encroached upon." " But where is Ben 7" " You know he was expecting 
the writ, and needn't think he was such a fool as to be at home-^he has more wit than that, 
I hope." Satisfied the lady was alone, Westover retired. 



430 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

to the northward, to escape into the state of New York. On their 
way, as they reached Wysock's Creek, they encountered a party of 
militia, under the commandof Gapt. Rosewell Franklin, and exchanged 
some shots. Joseph Dudley was very badly wounded. The others 
escaped. Dudley was put into a canoe, and brought down to Wilkes- 
barre, a distance of perhaps sixty or seventy miles. The doctor 
who was sent for, had no medicine. I had a small box of medicines 
which had been put up under the care of my friend Dr. Rush. Of 
these, upon application of the physician, I furnished all he desired. 
But Dudley survived only two or three days. On his death, his 
friends sent to your mother, to beg a winding sheet — which she gave 
them. 

" In the autumn, a court of Oyer and Terminer was held at 
Wilkesbarre, by M'Kean, Chief Justice, and Judge Rush. A number 
of the villains had been arrested — were tried and convicted — fined and 
imprisoned in different sums, and for different lengths of time, ac- 
cording to the aggravation of their offence. The poor creatures had 
no money to pay their fines, and the new jail at Wilkesbarre was so 
insufficient, that all of them made their escape excepting Stephen 
Jenkins, brother to Major John Jenkins. Stephen was not in arms 
with the party ; but was concerned in the plot. He might have 
escaped from the jail with the others, but chose to stay ; and in 
consequence received a pardon, after about two months confinement. 

" John Franklin, so often mentioned, having been indicted on the 
charge of treason, for which he had been arrested, remained a good 
while in jail. At length he was liberated on giving bond with a large 
penalty; and finally all opposition to the government in Luzerne 
county, ceasing, he was fully discharged. The people of the county 
afterwards chose him to represent them in the State legislature, where, 
in the House of Representatives he sat, I believe for several years. 
During this period, chance, once or twice, threw him in my way. 
He was very civil, and I returned his civilities." 

Immediately on the abduction of Col. Pickering being known, 
vigorous measures were adopted for his rescue. Four companies of 
militia were ordered out. That of Wilkesbarre, under the com- 
mand of Capt. William Ross. A troop of horse, commanded by 
Capt. John Paul Schott. The Hanover boys, Capt. Rosewell Frank- 
lin, and a company from Kingston, under Maj. Lawrence Myers, 
the whole military moving by direction of the civil authority, as part 
of the posse comitatus, directed by Lord Butler, Esq., the high sheriff 
of the county. What a change ! " Circumstances alter cases." Capt. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 431 

Ross and Sheriff Butler, as violators of the law at Laurel Hill, sent 
in irons to Easton, were now the effectual vindicators of the vio- 
lated laws. At Osterhout's, a few miles above Keeler's ferry, they 
made a halt to take refreshments ; when a guard of two or three men, 
placed by the river side, observed a boat with three persons on 
board, to push out suddenly as in haste from beneath a bunch of 
willows. Refusing to answer, a shot was fired, and they changed 
their course. Another bullet struck near, when two men threw 
themselves into the river, and swam to the opposite shore, while a 
boy hove the canoe about and surrendered. " Who are you, and 
who were those in the canoe V inquired Sheriff Butler, who had come 
down to the spot. " None of your — business," said the boy, with 
great apparent indignation. " Tell us who you are, and where you 
are going ?' " I won't — you are all a pack of rascals not to let 
honest men go to mill in their own boat, but they must be shot at as 
if they were wolves." Finding they could get no information from the 
fellow, amused with the spirit displayed, and respecting his faithful- 
ness to his friends, Mr. Butler took him to the house, gave him a 
good dinner, and then told him to go tell " the boys," the whole 
country was in arms against them, and they had better give up Col. 
Pickering. The story of young Hillman, for that was his name, may 
as well be concluded here. He was arraigned with others, and it 
was in proof that he was for some time one of Pickering's guard. 
When Chief Justice M'Kean was about to pass sentence. Col. P. 
with great magnanimity rose and said : " The boy had evidently 
been misled by older persons. That though in error, the spirit and 
faithfulness exhibited, in what he probably thought was right, showed 
that he was no ordinary character. He might yet under better 
advisement become a useful member of the community, and it was 
his desire that the lad should receive as mild a punishment as the 
law would admit." Of course Hillman was permitted to escape under 
a very mitigated sentence. We have sought to learn his subsequent 
fate, but he is lost to us. 

The company of Capt. Ross, in ascending the east bank of the 
Susquehanna, encountered near Meshoppen, a party of the wild Yan- 
kees, under the lead of Gideon Dudley. An action ensued, in which 
Capt. Ross received a severe wound in the body, the ball passing 
through him, lodged in the skin of the opposite side, from which it was 
some time after extracted. He was removed with all possible care to 
Wilkesbarre, where he slowly recovered. A ball struck Dudley in 
the wrist, when his party retreated. 



432 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

Finding, from the inflexible fortitude of their prisoner, that he 
could not be induced to write to obtain the release of Franklin, 
that being their sole object, and cherishing no feelings of malice or 
revenge against him. Col. Pickering was liberated as detailed in his 
narrative. 

Joseph Dudle}'', of whom he speaks, was subsequently wounded in 
an encounter wdth Rosewell Franklin's men near Wysox. From the 
first it was supposed the wound must prove mortal, as the gall issued 
therefrom ; but in hope of relief, he was placed in a canoe, and brought 
to Wilkesbarre, where he in a few days died. A fine formed, gene- 
rous natured, brave young man of twenty-four, his death was re- 
gretted by friend and foe. 

Col. Pickering being at liberty, immediate measures w^ere taken to 
vindicate the authority of the laws, by the arrest, trial and punish- 
ment of the rioters. 

Col. Franklin was still detained a prisoner in the Philadelphia 
jail. After remaining in prison sis months, being closely confined in 
a rear apartment, and excluded from society, maintaining himself, for 
he was not apprised that any provision had been made by Govern- 
ment for his subsistence, although he might have claimed the usual 
jail allowance ; suffering from a protracted fever, as well as by con- 
finement so uncongenial to health, and so irksome to an active mind, 
the iron will and the iron frame of this " hero of Wyoming" began 
to give way, and in April he petitioned the Justices of the Supreme 
Court that he might be liberated on finding bail that should be deem- 
ed sufficient. Assurances were given him that if he would obtain 
securities in the sum of two thousand pounds, he should have his 
liberty. Josiah Rogers, Jonah Rogers, Christopher Hurlbut, John 
Hurlbut, Nathan Carey, John Jenkins, Hezekiah Roberts, Benjamin 
Harvey, Daniel Gore, Samuel Ayres, and Jonathan Corey, were 
named by Col. Franklin, any or all of whom would become pledged 
for his good behaviour, and appearance at the time of trial. But de- 
lays were interposed. Perhaps the spirit that prevailed in respect 
to himself and his adherents, may best be exemplified by an inter- 
view held between him, and a member of the Supreme Executive 
Council, who visited him in prison. Col. F. in June, had been allow- 
ed the indulgence of coming to the front of the jail, and receiving 
such company as the keeper deemed it prudent to admit. On the 
8th of that month, a member of Council called. Col. Franklin urged 
the injustice and cruelty of longer confinement, and earnestly de- 
sired that he might be admitted to bail. The Hon. Counsellor replied, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 433 

" that the bail offered was insufficient. That no ten of the Wyoming 
settlers were worth two hundred pounds, much less two thousand — 
that the whole of them were a pack of thieves from Connecticut, 
who had robbed others of their property, and now presumed to call 
it their own." 

Strong must be the frame and stout the spirit, that more than a 
year's close confinement would not subdue. Accustomed to the morn- 
ing breeze upon the mountain; to strike down the noble buck with his 
trusty rifle, or arrest in full spring the flying doe: drinking from pure 
springs at their fountains, joining in the labours and the carols of the 
joyous harvest, the loss of these exhilerating pleasures must have ren- 
dered his prison walls dreary as desolation itself. As the letter of 
Col. FraLiTikhn, declaring " I was fully determined to return to WyO' 
ming, and to use my influence in quelling the disturbances,^' ^c, was 
regarded as an honorable surrender and pledge, we publish it entire, 
except the omission of a few lines contained in a preceding page. 

" Prison, Philadelphia, Sept. 17, 1788. 
Gentlemen : — 

You will please to pardon me, while I address you upon a subject 
that most nearly concerns me — the subject to which I relate in 
my petition, lately presented to your Honourable House, and which 
is referred to you, to inquire into, and report thereon. 

The notice taken of me in this my unhappy situation, and the op- 
portunity I had yesterday with Doctor Logan, who was pleased to 
honour me with a visit on the subject of my petition, demand my 
grateful acknowledgments. But, as some matters have since occurred 
more fully to my memory, you will permit me to lay before you a 
state of facts, which I would wish to do only for information. 

The Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court, on the 16th of 
April, agreed to admit me to bail, upon my entering into a recogni- 
zance with two good securities, in a sum therein required, as stated 
more fully in my petition. I obtained a certificate accordingly from 
the Clerk of the said Court, after which I addressed his Honour the 
Chief Justice in a letter, stating the difficulty which would probably 
take place in procuring any two persons at Luzerne to be my bail, 
who would be adjudged equal to the sum required, and requested 
that four or more persons might be taken as security, and that some 
such person, within the said County, as his honour thought proper, 
might be directed to take the recognizance; — he was pleased to 
grant my request : however, not any thing was done to effect until 
the 9th of May, when a friend of mine was permitted to see me, he 
28 



4S4 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

being accompanied with an Honourable Member of Council, by 
whom I was informed that the Chief Justice had agreed to direct the 
Prothonotary of Luzerne to take four persons as security for my ap- 
pearance at court, <fec." * * * "However, before the business 
was complete, the Chief Justice had set off on the western circuit. 
My friend went on as far as Chester, and returned on the iOth, when 
I was informed that he had a letter from the Chief Justice, to send 
forward to the Prothonotary at Luzerne, to take the security at that 
place, and that whenever the recognizance was sent, that Justice 
Bryan would take my own recognizance. This letter, together with 
a letter which I was permitted to write to my friends at Luzerne, on 
that subject, was immediately sent forward. May, 31, I had in- 
formation that security was taken, and the recognizance came to 
hand by a young man sent for that purpose. I expected to be libe- 
rated the same day; but heard nothing further until the 4th of June, 
when the young man was permitted to see me, he being in company 
with a Member of Council. I was then informed that nothing could 
be done until the Chief Justice returned, who accordingly returned 
soon after. 

Application was made to him by my friends in my behalf, to ob" 
tain my discharge on the bail. I did all in my power to obtain my 
discharge from prison, or to know what prevented me from being li- 
berated. I was informed that the Chief Justice gave for answer, that 
he had nothing to do with it, that it lay entirely in the breast of 
Council. Application was made to that Board, in my behalf. It rested 
until about the 8th of June, when an Honourable Member of Council 
came to see me." * # * * * # # * 

"After hearing the remarks of the visiting member, the young man 
who was present at that time, returned to Wyoming, after waiting 
nine days in this city at my expense. I was still kept in close confine- 
ment, deprived of the advantages of social society as I before had 
been, and could not be informed of any reason why I was not libe- 
rated, except as before represented, neither did I ever, by any au- 
thority, know what other reasons were assigned, until Doctor 
Logan informed me, yesterday, that the security was deemed in- 
sufficient — that some of those who were taken as security, had, 
at the same time, used threatening language, &c., which probably 
prevented me from being liberated. I have not heard the names of all 
those who are my security, but have been informed, that some of 
those nominated were absent, and others accepted by the Prothono- 
tary in lieu thereof, — ten persons being required to enter bail. If 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 435 

any person who has been accepted as security for me, has been so im- 
prudent as to use threatening language on that subject, I hope that 
their misconduct will not prejudice those equitable rights to which I 
may be judged entitled to. I wish, if the Honourable Commissioners 
think proper, that the matter may be fairly investigated whether the 
persons who entered bail for me are the identical persons who made 
use of threatening language, (I do not pretend to know to the con- 
trary,) but I have enemies, who would, perhaps, wish to injure me, 
and be fond to have me wear out the last remains of life in prison. 
I therefore only wish that such inquiries may be made, as to prevent 
any undue measures operating to my hurt, that equal justice in that 
as well as in every other case, may be done me : I must confess, that 
I earnestly expected to be liberated on bail, conformably to the 
encouragement given me, and really thought that I had right so to 
expect, and I most solemnly declare, that, in case I had been 
liberated, I was fully determined to return to Wyoming and to 
use my influence in quelling the disturbances at that place, if any 
there should be, and to prepare myself to take my trial when called, 
therefor before a jury of my country, as the constitution directs: 
but as I was not liberated, I made my appeal to the legislative body, 
the guardians of the people, from whose justice and humanity, I am 
induced to believe, I shall in some way obtain relief. As to the cir- 
cumstances of my confinem.ent, that is fully set forth in my petition. 

* A letter to the author from Joseph Jameson, an intimate friend of Franklin, written in 
1331, gives this account of his imprisonment, derived from himself. 

" When war with the Indians ceased, he found a more formidable foe in Pennsylvania, 
and a far more cruel one as respected himself, by their inhumanly imprisoning him better 
than seventeen months in the City of Philadelphia, with only twenty-seven pounds of iron 
upon him. The State gave a reward of six hundred dollars for his apprehension, for he had 
previously twice refused to be bought by the land-jobbers, and they were determ.ined to punish 
him for slighting their generosity. The last time the offer of a bribe was made, he cautioned 
them never to propose the thing to him again. The proposals were to pay him a sum of 
money sufficient to make him and family independent if he would quit the country and not 
return." 

[As our limits do not admit of the publication of this letter entire; as it was recovered too 
late to be interwoven in the text, and as every thing relating to Col. F. is of interest, I tran- 
scribe here a paragraph shewing his early labours and sufferings. 

" He told me many years ago that he was the first white man that ever made a settlement 
in Huntington. He spent one whole summer there entirely alone — not a soul to speak to. 
He carried his provisions on his back from Plymouth, and when they were expended he 
would go up and fetch down another back load, through a pathless wilderness. He some- 
times traveled this in the night, not leaving his work until about sun-down, the distance he 
had to go being about eighteen miles. At one time he was under the necessity of going up 
in the night, and entirely barefooted, among snakes, rocks and stones — not the appearance 
of a thing like a shoe to his feet.'' This was about the year '75.] 



436 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

I have lately been very sick with a fever, but am now recovered from 
the disorder, though my sickness, together with a long confinement, 
has reduced me to a feeble state, which is hard to be recovered in a 
place of confinement. I was destitute of money at the time of my 
commitment, but agreed with a friend to support me with provisions, 
and never knew that any provision was made for me by Government, 
until I was liberated to the front of the gaol, the 24th of June, since 
which I learn that the person who supported me has had his bill 
allowed by Council, for my weekly subsistence, though paid in de- 
preciated currency, which I shall be under obligation to make good, 
unless the sum he has received is made equal to my weekly subsist- 
ence, which I am not able to determine ; my retired situation has 
prevented me from doing any thing for myself to any advantage 
which I might otherwise have done. 

If after a full investigation it should be thought proper to admit 
me to bail on the security already taken, it would prevent a pecu- 
niary expense which would take place in procuring other security if 
required ; but in case I am liberated in any other way I shall make 
myself satisfied, and if continued in prison, I am resolved to be sub- 
missive to whatever Providence has assigned me. I have only wrote 
to give you information. I earnestly hope that whatever may be 
alleged against me, will not prejudice any equitable right to which 
your committee and the Honourable Assembly may adjudge me 
entitled, as equal justice is all that I demand. I am, gentlemen, with 
every sentiment of respect, 

Your Obedient Servant. 

John Franklin." 

George Logan, i 

Peter Mdhlenburgh, > Esquires. 

and John. P. Schott. ) 

Having perfect reliance on the honour of Col. Franklin this ex- 
plicit declaration was regarded, rightfully, as an abandonment of 
his plan to establish a new state. Intercourse secret and confiden- 
tial, had without doubt been kept up between Col. Franklin, and the 
Wolcott's, Barlow, Judd, Hosmore, and other chief men engaged in 
the enterprise, in Connecticut, alluded to by Col. Pickering, when 
he speaks of their " great men," and " Such a project, to be accom- 
plished by such desperate, flagitious means, it might be expected 
■would meet no countenance from, much less he the very offspring of 
men, of whom some were of respectable standing in Connecticut," &c. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 437 

It seems probable that the energetic measures adopted by Pickering, 
the arrest, and close confinement of Franklin ; the failure to obtain 
Franklin's release by the abduction of Col. P., had convinced them 
that their plan could not succeed, and under their advice he had re- 
solved to submit to the laws. Moreover, the establishment of the 
Federal Constitution opened to those ambitious Connecticut spirits, 
a larger and more inviting field for the exercise of their talents. 

The Lion being tamed ; the purpose of a new and independent 
government being abandoned, and the pledge contained in his letter 
to the committee, being received with confidence. Col. Franklin was 
visited by the magnates of the city, and treated with all the respect 
and courtesy of a prisoner of state — detained on political considera- 
tions, not affecting his moral integrity or personal character. Know- 
ing his great influence, particular pains were taken to conciliate him, 
and to bring him into the scheme of compromise, devised by Col. 
Pickering. Without committing himself to that point, he satisfied 
those who were interested, that he would offer no farther obstruction 
to the free introduction of the laws. 

Means to bring Franklin, and the rioters to trial, were adopted 
(merely, we presume, for form sake,) and a Supreme Court was or- 
dered to be holden at Wilkesbarre in November. Chief Justice 
M'Kean was met on the mountains, several miles from the Valley, by 
Sheriff Butler, the Coroner, and a large number of the principal in- 
habitants. When they arrived at the point which commanded a full 
view of the beautiful Valley, Judge M'Kean stopped and surveyed it 
for a quarter of an hour with deep apparent interest. At length he 
broke silence : " It is indeed a lovely spot — I cease to wonder that 
it has been so zealously contended for." 

The court was opened by the Chief Justice, supported by his ho- 
nour Jacob Rush.* Col. Franklin had been brought up from the city, 
and was indicted on a charge of High Treason, " in endeavouring to 
subvert the government, and to erect a new and independent state in 
the room and stead thereof." Messrs. Biddle and Clymer appeared 
as his Counsel, and on the ground that important witnesses, needed on 
his defence, were absent, the trial was postponed, and he remanded to 
prison, not to Philadelphia, but at Easton. Bail, however, was taken, 

* A letter writer, to a friend in Philadelphia, who dates " Wilkeshorough, Nov. 8, 1788," 
says: — " A Supreme Court was opened last Tuesday in this place before their honours the 
Chief Justice and Judge Rush, the tii'st ever held for the County of Luzerne." 

" It gave me pleasure to see the order and decorum that prevailed; nothing could exceed tke 
"'cspectful silence and attention of all ranks of ■people^ while the Court was silting. 



438 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

and Franklin set at liberty, and the prosecution, after remaining un- 
acted upon for some time, finally abandoned. 

Twenty-five concerned in the " diabolical outrage " on Col. Pick- 
ering, were indicted. Of sixteen arraigned, nine submitted to the 
mercy of the Court, seven pleaded not guilty, of whom three were 
acquitted, and five convicted. A fine of twenty shillings, and six 
months imprisonment was imposed on four of them ; fifty dollars with- 
out imprisonment, on the fifth. Those who submitted to the Court, 
were fined each one hundred dollars. Of the " poor creatures" im- 
prisoned, all escaped, that is, went home without let or hindrance., 
immediately after the Court adjourned. Stephen Jenkins alone re- 
mained, who would not go. It cannot have escaped the sagacity of 
the reader, that, with all the harshness of epithet used by Col. Pick- 
ering, he was at once too politic, too placable, far too noble minded, to 
desire that the rioters should suffer, and doubtless connived at their 
escape. We believe that none of the fines imposed were ever col- 
lected.* It is worthy of note that the Rev. Jacob Johnson, already 
well known to the reader, could not, or would not suppress the ebu- 
lition of his Yankee and patriotic ire, at the course of proceedings. 
He made the pulpit echo with his soul stirring appeals. So open 
were the denunciations of the pious old man, that he was arrested, 
called before M'Kean, and obliged to find security for his peaceable 
behaviour. 

Christmas of 1788, found Luzerne abounding in the necessaries of 
life; the laws of Pennsylvania in perfect operation, receiving every 
where cheerful obedience. Franklin at liberty. Col. Pickering in 
his ofiice, issuing writs, or recording deeds, with the same devoted 
industry that characterized the performance of every other duty, high 
or low, allotted to him in life — a most extraordinary man, in whom 
were combined those rare attributes of wisdom to devise measures, 
decision to resolve on their execution — energy to carry them 
through, the whole tempered by consummate prudence, and perfect 
integrity, tinged nevertheless by a degree of prejudice, that occa- 
sionally misled him; yet ever commanding the respect of friend and 
enemy. Indeed, perhaps he was the only man who could have intro- 
duced the laws, and averted the calamity of a new and more disastrous 
civil war in Wyoming. 

* Among those concerned, we find Noah Phelps, two or three Kilboiirns, and some others, 
distinguished names now in Connecticut ; and that of Garret Smith, a christian name so 
unusual as to lead us to wonder whether he might have been the father, or relative of the dis- 
tinguished New Yorker 1 



LETTEE XXYIII. 

Legal mitters — Part'cu'arly dedicated to gentlemen of the Bench and Bar. 

The Confirming Law has been briefly adverted to in a preceding 
page. In every aspect, historical and legal, the very great impor- 
tance of this act demands a more extended consideration, as it is 
the ground-work of compromise, and the root from which springs no 
inconsiderable portion of the existing titles of the Wyoming settlers 
to their lands, notwithstanding the law was repealed by the Assem- 
bly, and pronounced unconstitutional by the court. In this letter it 
is our purpose to trace through to their issue, historically and argu- 
mentatively, in a connected chain, the measures of the Commonwealth 
resulting in the issuing of patents to Connecticut claimants. 

To suppose that a Pennsylvania land claimant shall appear in 
court with a warrant, survey, and patent of 1794; and a Connecticut 
settler with a certificate of 1804, and a patent for the same piece of 
land — that here the prosecution and defence close ; and the court 
gives its charge to the jury, that, from the face of the papers, the 
warrant and survey of 1794, being oldest, must of course recover ; 
— would be gross error. 

Our thesis presupposes such case to be depending. In fact such 
an issue was on the list when this paper was written. 

The Certificate, a paper so peculiar, and wholly unknown in 
any other part of the Commonwealth, would on presentation in- 
stantly strike a court as something extraordinary, and lead to the 
inquiry " What is this ? whence comes a paper so very unusual V 

A copy will be found on the next page. 



440 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 



WILKESBARRE. 

DRAUGHT of a Tract of Land, situate in Wilkesbarre, one of the seventeen Townships in Luzerne Connty, 
being Numbers Fourteen and Fifteen in the Third Division of that Township and containing 432 Ac's. 157 Ps. and 
the usual allowance of Six per Cent for Roads, resurvej-ed for Thomas Wright, the Eighteenth day of August, 
1802, by order of the Commissioners appointed to put in execution an act of tlie General Assemb'y of the State of 
Pennsylvania, entitled "An Act for offering compensation to the Pennsylvania Claimants of certain Lands with- 
in the seventeen Townships in the County of Luzerne, and for other purposes therein mentioned." 

December 1st, 1302. THOS. SAMBOURNE, 

Surveyor to the said Commissioners. 

^3 5^35^ •"• 



No. 
13 



No. 
14 

Tho 

Wri 

As.Ps 

217 96 



No. 
15 
mas 
fflit. 
As Ps 
215 61 



No. 
16 



Scale 90 perches to the- Inch. 



N. B. The parallel lines are shortene<J>. 



As. Ps. 

217 96 
215 61 

Total 432 157 



' \Vesf. 



Road. 



WE the undersigned Commissioners, duly appointed for putting in execution an Act of the General Assembly 
of the State of Pennsylvania, entitled " An Act for olTering compensation to the Pennsylvania Clamiants of certain 
Lands within the seventeen Townships in the County o1f Luzerne, and for other purposes therein mentioned, 
passed the 4th day of April 1799, and the Supplement thereto passed tlie I5th day of March, 1800, and the turther 
Supplement thereto passed the 6th day of April, 1802, DO CERTIFY, That Thomas Wright is the Owner as a 
Connecticut Claimant of Four hundred and Thirty-two Acres and One hundred and fifiy-seven perches ot Land 
in tire Township of WILKESBARRE, one of the before mentioned seventeen Townships ; being Lots', Numher 
Fourteen and Fifteen, in the Third Division in the said Township ; WHICH Lots Number Fourteen and Fifteen 
were severally occupied and acquired by a Connecticut Claimant, an actual Settler there before the time ol the 
Decree of Trenton, and was particularly assigned to such actual Settler, prior to the said Decree, agreeably to the 
regulations then in force among such Settlers. The said Land (a Draught of Survey whereof is hereto annexed) 
is included in the application of Thomas Weeks, under the provisions of the acts aforesaid: of which application 
an ofHcial transcript has been transmitted to us from the Land Office of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
No. 215, Of the said Tract, one hundred and sixty-live Acres, part thereof are of the third Class, and the residue 
thereof is of the fourth Class. THOMAS COOPER, 

November 10th, 1803. J^^'O- M. TAYLOR. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 441 

It will be apparent that the question has its origin in a controversy 
between sovereign States : That the certificate has its foundation in 
the benign and politic principle of compromise — to arrest bloodshed 
and put an end to civil war. It involves high matter of State policy, 
and should be decided, after a full view of the case in all its aspects, 
(not by the complex fettered rules of special pleading,) but on the 
broad ground of its own peculiar merits. He therefore, who ex- 
amines it through the microscope of mere legal technicalities, must 
necessarily grope in darkness ; the broad expanse can only be em- 
braced by the telescope which sweeps from the zenith to the horizon. 
It is a vast State question of mingled equity and law. 

We mean to be studiously brief, both because I feel myself to be a 
trespasser, and because generally, an intimation of the point or prin- 
ciple being given, legal gentlemen can follow it out with a force and 
clearness I could make no pretensions to. 

The historical part of the origin of the Connecticut claim has al- 
ready been set forth, and is presumed to be too well known and fami- 
liar to be here repeated at length, all important as it is regarded in 
considering the equity of title under the compromise. 

The First point I propose to establish is this : 

That the decree of Trenton, adjudging the jurisdiction to Pennsyl- 
vania, was a decision of policy and not o^ right. That it could not 
and did not affect the right of soil. 

But a page of recapitulation is deemed proper. In the exhibit of 
claims by the Connecticut commissioners before the court at Trenton, 
it is set forth that the Susquehanna Company in its purchase and settle- 
ment of these lands acted " under countenance of the authority of said 
colony." And that " the Legislature of the colony of Connecticut have 
approved of the purchases and settlements of the adventurers afore- 
said, and have actually exerted and exercised jurisdiction in and over 
said territory, as part and parcel of said colony." In fact in 1773, 
resolutions were passed declaring the intention to support their claim 
west of New York, and in January 1774, the jurisdiction and laws of 
Connecticut were, by formal enactment, extended to Wyoming, a 
town called Westmoreland was erected, and attached to the county 
of Litchfield, civil oflacers were appointed, taxes were levied and 
paid into the treasury of Connecticut, and representatives chosen to 
her Assembly. The power of State authority was as perfect here as 
at Hartford or New Haven ; and thus it continued through the Revo- 
lutionary war, until the decree of Trenton in December 1782, 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

After the surrender of Lord Cornwallis it was obvious that the 
British power in America was broken, independence secure, and 
peace near at hand. Immediately all the States began to look with 
increased anxiety to the settlement of disputed points among them- 
selves of boundaries, jurisdiction and soil. 

By the second and third sections of the ninth article of confedera- 
tion, provision was made for raising two separate courts ; one to 
try questions of jurisdiction between contending States ; the other 
to try the right of soil between persons claiming lands under grants 
from different States. Thus clearly and distinctly admitting — that 
jurisdiction might be awarded to one State, and the soil to claimants 
under grants from another State. That is, that the right of jurisdic- 
tion and the right of soil did not necessarily go together. My im- 
pressions are clear that these sections were introduced having par- 
ticular reference to the dispute existing between Pennsylvania and 
Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. It must have been 
manifest to the sagacious heads then on the stage of action, from the 
relative position of the parties, and the land claimed, that however just 
the title of Connecticut and Massachusetts, to the soil west of the 
Hudson, policy should award the jurisdiction relatively to Pennsyl- 
vania and New York. The application of nice technical and legal 
rules to the settlement of these controversies would have led to end- 
less litigation, heart burnings, and most probably to civil war. 
Charter claims lapped on to each other — these were met by Indian 
deeds, rights of possession, and various equitable and political con- 
siderations, which ought not, and which could not be disregarded. 
Wisdom uttered her voice with emphatic solemnity, urging an ad- 
justment upon broad and liberal grounds of State policy and equitable 
compromise. Chesterfield, in a letter to his son, says: "Where a 
variety of concurring incidents, and a chain of circumstantial evi- 
dence, all combine to support a proposition, he would believe it 
sooner than the most direct human testimony." 

The reason of the thing, and concurring circumstances, lead 
strongly to the conclusion, that policy and not law governed the de- 
cision of this great cause at Trenton. 

To give my impressions in familiar language, and make them more 
easily comprehended, I will suppose the great men in Congress in 
social chat, talking over the subject of these perplexing contro- 
versies. 

South Carolina. — " Well, gentlemen, the power of Britain is 
broken — we shall now have a release from foreign war — shall we 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 443 

be able to preserve domestic peace ? What do you say, Mr. Wol- 
cott, for Connecticut, will you maintain jurisdiction to your Wyoming 
lands, in defiance of my friend Clymer here, and the good State of 
Pennsylvania 1 Come, come, you are both ready to speak up very 
short — both for war ! So, too, with my friends Floyd, from New 
York, and Osgood, from Massachusetts. They are ready for a battle 
for the rich lake and Genesee lands ! But this is all nonsense, gen- 
tlemen. Wisdom, prudence, policy, these must come in and adjust 
the matter. There are twenty millions acres of unseated land in 
New York, claimed by that State and Massachusetts ; you must 
divide these. There is enough for both. The jurisdiction should 
of course remain in New York — what does Massachusetts want to 
do with jurisdiction beyond the North River. She has plenty to 
attend to at home, and besides has the province of Maine to take 
care of." 

Pennsylvania. — " Very well, you have settled the dispute of those 
States: give us a plan for Pennsylvania and Connecticut." 

South Carolina. — " O, easy — leave Pennsylvania to herself — she is 
just large enough, as bounded by her charter — nothing to want and 
nothing to spare. Take off the degree of latitude claimed by Con- 
necticut, all along her longitudinal limits, and you leave her razeed 
down to a fourth rate State. You deprive her of nearly all un- 
seated lands, and she has no pretence of claim elsewhere. It will 
never, never answer." 

Connecticut. — " But what is Connecticut to do?" 

South Carolina. — " All easy and practicable. Connecticut must 
take a good slice out of her chartered limits west of Pennsylvania — 
the beautiful Ohio lands, at present neither adversely settled nor 
claimed ; enough, an hundred miles or more, if she please. Jurisdiction 
west of the Hudson cannot be an object of desire to her. And then all 
the States whose charters extend far west, must release the re- 
mainder of their claims to the United States, according to the 
resolves of Congress. And thus the whole matter may be satis- 
factorily adjusted." 

Connecticut. — " Upon my word, you reason well. But what shall 
be done with the Wyoming settlers ?" 

South Carolina. — " O there can be no question about them. 
Their rights cannot be affected by any relinquishment the State 
may now make. Besides it will be the manifest policy of all parties 
to quiet the actual settlers. Land is plenty. All the States want 
good, contented, industrious citizens, to subdue the wilderness. And 



444 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

moreover, the Wyoming people have fairly bought these lands of 
Pennsylvania by their blood and sufferings, standing as a frontier 
against the cruel savage, as they have done." 

Pennsylvania. — " Certainly, certainly. If Connecticut will be 
satisfied with that arrangement, we pledge ourselves, give us all the 
rest within our charter peaceably, there shall be no difficulty in 
respect to the Wyoming settlers." 

Connecticut. — " It seems rational ; but the thing must be done in 
a legal way. The grant to Pennsylvania must pass by decision of 
court; for it would cut out so many of our people at home, who have 
claims in the Susquehanna country, there would be great dissatis- 
faction — the Wyoming settlers too, would be extremely offended if 
we give it up without a trial." 

Pennsylvania. — " We understand you. You shall have a trial. 
An application shall be made forthwith to raise a court to decide 
the matter." 

Fifteen days after Cornwallis surrendered, to wit : — November 3d, 
" A petition from the Supreme Executive Council was read" in 
Congress, stating the matter of dispute between Pennsylvania and 
Connecticut, praying a hearing in the premises, agreeable to the 9th 
article of confederation. 

[See Journal of that date.] 

A court was accordingly raised, composed of the Hon. William 
Whipple, of New Hampshire; Welcome Arnold, Rhode Island; 
David Brearly and William Churchill Houston, of New Jersey ; 
Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Jones and Thomas Nelson, of Virginia. The 
two latter did not attend. The five first named convened at Tren- 
ton Nov. 12, 1782. 

William Bradford, jr., Joseph Reed, James Wilson and Jonathan 
D. Sergeant, attended as counsel and agents, on the part of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Eliphalet Dyer, William S. Johnson and Jesse Root, appeared as 
counsel and agents, on behalf of Connecticut. 

Early in the proceedings, to wit : November 19, a motion was 
made as follows : " The agents of the State of Connecticut, saving 
to themselves all advantages of other and further defence in said 
cause, beg leave to suggest, inform, and give the court to understand, 
that there are many persons who are tenants, in possession of the 
lands in controversy, holding, improving and claiming large quanti- 
ties of said lands, under titles from the States of Pennsylvania and 
Connecticut, respectively, particularly the two large companies of 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 445 

Delaware and Susquehanna, consisting of more than 2000 persons, 
many of whose people are in, possessing, improving and holding large 
tracts of said land in controversy, under title from the State of Con- 
necticut, whose titles under said States respectively, will be mate- 
rially affected by the decision in this case, yet have not been cited, 
or any way legally notified to be present at said trial, to defend 
their titles respectively, which, by the rules of proceeding in a court 
of justice, ought to be done, before any further proceedings are had 
in said case : and thereupon the said agents move this honourable 
court, to cause said companies of Delaware and Susquehanna, and 
other tenants in possession, holding under title from either of said 
States, to be duly cited in some proper and reasonable manner, to ap- 
pear and defend at said trial, if they see cause, before any farther 
proceedings are had in said cause. And of this they pray the opi- 
nion of this honourable court. 

E. Dyer, ^ 

Wm. S. Johnson, > Agents for Connecticut. 

J. Root, ) 

After argument, the court adjourned till to-morrow, ten of the 
clock. 

Wednesday, November 20, 1782. 

The court met. The court gave their opinion on the motion of 
yesterday, made in writing by the agents of Connecticut. 

" That the same cannot be admitted according to the construction 
of the 9th article of the confederation, and the tenor and designs of 
the commission under which they act." 

I have quoted this at length for the purpose of more clearly estab- 
lishing two points. 1st. That the right of soil was not decided at 
Trenton — that it could not be under the authority by which the 
court was constituted — that notice was therefore refused to be given 
to the settlers to appear ; and the principle distinctly recognized — 
that jurisdiction might be awarded to one State ; and the right of 
soil be awarded to claimants under grants from another State. This 
matter will be adverted to hereafter: The other point is this — that 
the agents of Connecticut do therein, officially declare, not only once 
but twice, that the Susquehanna Company and the settlers, under 
their grants, derive title under Connecticut ; a matter of some mo- 
ment. 

The court continued its sittings until December 30th, when they 
rendered this very brief and very explicit judgment. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

" We are unanimously of opinion, that the State of Connecticut 
has no right to the lands in controversy. 

" We are also unanimously of opinion, that the jurisdiction and 
pre-emption of all the territory lying within the charter boundary 
of Pennsylvania, and now claimed by the State of Connecticut, do 
of right belong to the State of Pennsylvania. 

Wbi. Whipple, 

Welcome Arnold, 
Wm. C. Houston, 
Cyrus Griffin, 
David Brearly." 

In all which the Connecticut agents and counsel acquiesced 
without protest or murmur. After, to say the least, the plausible 
exhibit on the part of Connecticut, the perfect unanimity of the 
Court would strike an impartial observer as in no slight degree re- 
markable. The very brief judgment, not a solitary reason being 
given, would excite surprise. There is nothing extraordinary, or in 
the least degree surprising, admitting the position which I maintain 
to be correct — that the whole trial was a political movement, a mere 
"common recovery, ^^ intended to convey, and carry into effect a pre- 
viously understood arrangement between Pennsylvania and Connec- 
ticut. 

It seems probable that Connecticut, before coming to the under- 
standing with Pennsylvania, had made an offer to Congress to cede 
her western lands beyond the limits of that State ; most likely with- 
out any reservation. The reserve I take it was an after thought. 
On a careful examination I find no such proposition on the journal. 
If a new and different proposal was to be made, it might have been 
politic to withdraw the old one, and leave no trace of it. The fact 
comes out by a side wind. On the 31st of January, 1783, just a 
month after the Trenton decree, in a report of Mr. Carroll and others, 
on the finances, it is said " Virginia and Connecticut have also made 
cessions, the acceptance of which, for particular reasons have been 
delayed." The matter was wisely permitted to sleep awhile. In 
May 22, 1786, on motion proceeding from a committee, to wit: 

" Resolved, That Congress, in behalf of the United States, are 
ready to accept all the right, title, interest and claim of the State 
of Connecticut, to certain western lands, &c." 

Debate and several motions arose thereon. The question was 
not decided until the 26th, five days being devoted to its considera- 
tion. Seven times the yeas and nays were recorded. It is worthy 



.HISTORY OP WYOMING. 447 

of emphatic remark, that Pennsylvania and Connecticut voted to- 
gether five times ! Once all the other States voting against them. 
Connecticut was once excused from voting ; and only in one solitary 
instance out of the seven times, did they vote against each other, and 
that on a motion of no great moment made by another State. What 
new^-born love ! What brotherly affection ! Can any one doubt 
its origin 1 

As adopted, the resolution was in these words — "That Congress 
accept the said deed of cession, and that the same be recorded and 
enrolled among the acts of the United States, in Congress assem- 
bled." 

By the deed Connecticut grants " all right, title, interest, jurisdic- 
tion and claim to certain western lands, beginning at the completion 
of the 41st degree of north latitude, one hundred and twenty miles 
west of the western boundary line of the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, as now claimed by the said Commonwealth, and from 
thence by a line drawn north parallel to, and one hundred and 
twenty miles west of the said west line of Pennsylvania, and to 
continue north, until it comes to forty-two degrees and two minutes 
of north latitude." All west of this line is ceded, and of course, all 
east is reserved. The reservation is of 120 miles east and west, 
(bounding it easterly by the west line of Pennsylvania,) by a degree 
and two minutes north and south latitude, containing several millions 
of acres. It is well known by the name of New Connecticut, or the 
Western Reserve. It may be here proper as a historical fact to say, 
that about the year 1800, Connecticut made a formal release of all 
claim to jurisdiction or soil, west of the eastern limits of New York, 
excepting to the western reserve; and received from the United 
States letters patent for that tract. 

By the proceedings detailed it will be seen that the right of Con- 
necticut west of New York was recognized by Congress, accepting 
her cession, and admitting the reservation. Pennsylvania, by voting 
for the acceptance, did also distinctly recognize that right. How 
could she have a right west of Pennsylvania, and not through Penn- 
sylvania, when her charter was nineteen years the oldest ? From 
which, the whole circumstances taken together, a rational doubt we 
think cannot be entertained, but that the decision at Trenton was 
made on grounds o^ policy and not o^ right. 

There remains a most important matter bearing on this point, yet 
to be noticed, which pours in a flood of light, dispelling every shade of 
darkness or doubt, if any should still rest upon it» 



448 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

The Hon. Cyrus Griffin, one of the Judges of the court at Tren- 
ton, in answer to inquiries from Barnabas Bidwell, wrote a letter in 
1796, of which the following is a copy. Before transcribing this 
important paper, it seems proper to observe that Cyrus Griffin was a 
distinguished member of Congress from Virginia. I find he was a 
delegate early in 1778 ; in 1780, he was elected a Judge of the Court 
of Appeals; in 17S8, he was chosen President of Congress. Such 
is the character of the witness we produce. To the letter : — 

" Sir, — Being upon a tour of duty in the line of my office, I 
had not the pleasure of reading your letter until yesterday. 

" Before the Commissioners determined that important contest 
between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, it was agreed : — 

" 1st. That the reasons for the determination should never be 
given. 

" 2d. That the minority should concede the determination as the 
unanimous opinion of the court. 

" No doubt sufficient reasons appeared to us to adopt these pre- 
liminary points. Whether strictly justifiable, or at present would be 
adopted, I will not undertake to say ; perhaps a different course 
might be pursued ; but this I will undertake to say, that no court 
ever met and decided a great question, less subject to partiality or 
corruption, or in which more candour and freedom of debate were 
exercised. 

" As you seem to suppose, I do not know in what manner the 
jurisdiction might be considered if tried again ; and especially since 
a number of important discoveries have been made, and a mass of 
evidence can now be produced which was not known at that time. 

" But I can assure you, sir, that the commissioners were unani- 
mously of opinion, that \hQ private right of soil should not be affected 
by the decision. 

" The decision was not to reach the question of property in the 
soil. 

" We recommended very strongly, derived from legal and political 
grounds, that the settlers shoidd be quieted in all their claims by an 
act of the Pennsylvania Assembly ; and that the right of soil, if I 
recollect truly, as derived from Connecticut, shoidd be held sacred. 

"Such, however, I am certain, was the opinion of the individuals 
who composed that court." 

No comment could make the matter clearer; and I assume again, 
with the utmost confidence, that my proposition is well established, 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 449 

viz : " That the decree of Trenton, adjudging the jurisdiction to 
Pennsylvania, was a decision of policy and not of right — that it 
could not, and did not affect the right of soil." 

Yet there is an additional fact of great weight, bearing on and 
supporting this conclusion. The claim of Massachusetts west of the 
Hudson, rested on precisely the same ground as that of Connecticut. 
Preliminary measures were adopted to raise a court, to try the 
question. Wisely preferring compromise to law. New York ad- 
justed the matter by liberal and just concession ; the States divided 
the land between them. In 1787, New York recognized the right of 
Massachusetts, conceded and confirmed her claim to the land, in all 
that part of western New York, beginning at a point on the Pennsyl- 
vania line, eighty-two miles west of the north-east corner of Pennsyl- 
vania, [the point of beginning is in Tioga county] thence north to the 
British boundary, and including with a trifling exception the whole of 
the Genesee and Lake country, west of that line. The exception 
was more than made up by 230,000 acres confirmed to Massachu- 
setts east of that line, between the Oswego and Chenango rivers. 
The quantity of land retained by Massachusetts cannot be much 
less than 10,000 square miles, and probably exceeded seven millions 
of acres. 

It would be an insult to the understanding, a mockery of common 
sense, to suppose that New York conceded this princely domain to 
Massachusetts, after the decree of Trenton, if that decree was re- 
garded by any one living being, lawyer or politician, statesman or 
philosopher, as a decision of law and right — as any thing else, but 
a legal process of consummating a wise political arrangement. 

Passing from these historical facts and speculations we proceed more 
directly to those which are strictly legal. An act was passed Sep- 
tember 15, 1784, directing that the dispossessed settlers should be re- 
stored to their farms. Col. Antis, Sheriflf of Northumberland, was 
ordered to perform the duty. A most important law and proceed- 
ing ; as now, beyond controversy, the settlers had a clear legal Penn- 
sylvania possession. 

On the 30th of Dec, 1786, an act was passed for giving, during a 
limited time, a right of pre-emption. 

I rather suggest than argue, the effect this act would have upon the 
rights of those persons in actual possession, claiming against warrant 
holders, whose surveys were made, and warrants obtained, subse- 
quently thereto. 

29 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

The great plan of conciliation ; the grand healing measure of 
compromise, which should quiet the Wyoming people in their pos- 
sessions, and staunch the wounds which so many years of disorder 
had inflicted, was the Confirming Law, passed March 28, 1787, (to 
which we adverted in a preceding letter.) It provided, " That all the 
said rights or lots now lying within the County of Luzerne, which 
were occupied or acquired by Connecticut claimants who were ac- 
tual settlers there at or before the termination of the claim of the State 
of Connecticut, by the [Trenton] decree aforesaid, and which rights or 
lots were particularly assigned to the said settlers prior to the said 
decree, agreeable to the regulations then in force among them, 
be and they are hereby confirmed to them, and their heirs and 
assigns." \_See the ActJ] 

Certain conditions were to be complied with by the settlers. The 
most important one is, that within eight months they should make ap- 
plication for the benefits of the act. The disturbances of the country 
already detailed, occasioned the withdrawal of the commissioners 
appointed to carry it into effect. 

In a year and a day the act was suspended. April 1, 1790, it was 
repealed. It must be admitted the day was fitly chosen for the 
deed. 

Two Dissents, arguing with consummate ability the impolicy and 
unconstitutionality of the repeal, were entered on the Journal. The 
first from the able pen of William Rawie ; the other emanating from 
the luminous mind of William Lewis. Both are appended to this 
letter, and are deemed of great importance. 

Now, the only pretence, the only spider thread on which it could 
be pretended that titles under the Confirming Law were not valid 
to those lands owned by the State, when the act passed was, that 
within the eight months assigned the settlers did not make applica- 
tion under it, <&c. There is not the slightest evidence that they did^not. 
There is every reasonable presumption that they did, as far as possi- 
ble, for the law granted all they asked. They were required to pay 
nothing to the State for the land — the sums for surveying and patent- 
ing, were not a consideration as purchase money, but merely to pay 
expenses and office fees. The consideration stated in the preamble 
was fully acknowledged to be received. The time was manifestly too 
short for all to come in. From the whole spirit of the law, it being 
an Act of Grace and Equity, it could not have been the intention of 
the Legislature, to exclude from its benefits the widow — the orphans 
■ — the ignorant or even the dilatory, who might not come in by the 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 451 - 

very short day named. It would take the Commissioners several 
months to get to Luzerne, and some time to explain the law and mode 
of proceeding. The people interested were scattered over a territory, 
along the river an hundred miles, their papers dispersed, and a num- 
ber, whose fathers had fallen by the Savages, were minors, serving 
their apprenticeship with masters to whom they had been bound in 
Connecticut while very yonng, whither they had fled or been carried 
on the general expulsion. That these were intended to be embraced 
is evident from the fact, that the commissioners were required to 
give notice in one or more newspapers printed in Pennsylvania and 
Connecticut." In this view of the matter, if a mere simple applica- 
tion or assent was all that was required to exclude every one who 
did not assent or apply in time, would be a most forced and hard 
construction, inequitable, no mercy in it, no justice in it, and there- 
fore not a true construction. 

But this point is too important, not to be pursued further. The 
words of the proviso are, " Provided that all the claimants whose lots 
are hereby confirmed, shall by themselves, guardians, or other lawful 
agents, within eight months next after passing this act, prefer to the 
Commissioners hereinafter mentioned, their respective claims to the 
lots aforesaid, therein stating the grounds of their claim, and suffi- 
ciently describing the lots claimed, so that the same may be made 
known or ascertained, and support the same by reasonable proofs." 

If strictly and rigidly construed, here was a great deal of work to 
be done in a short time. Several thousand persons, so widely dis- 
persed, their papers and titles necessarily in confusion, from their In- 
dian expulsion and more recent troubles — all these, every one, for if 
all do not come in, in strictness, the whole failed — they must not only 
prefer their claims, generally, but describe their lots — every river and 
back lot is to be particularly described, and in addition to all this 
their titles must be supported before the Commissioners by reason- 
able proofs. Impossible — utterly impossible — every man of common 
sense must see that the literal rigid demands of the law could not be 
complied with in eight months. To demand it or say that on failure 
the whole law might be repealed — the solemn confirmations of titles 
be abrogated, would be worse than Turkish despotism. Such injus- 
tice never stained the deliberate legislation of Pennsylvania. Such 
construction never soiled the pure ermine of her Jurisprudence. 

Courts justly hold that an impossible condition is void. Suppose 
a law had said, " whereas, a certain five hundred persons having 
paid £10,000 into the treasury, the receipt whereof is acknow- 



452 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ledged ; now, in consideration thereof, the said persons, their heirs 
and assigns, shall each be quieted and confirmed in one hundred 
acres of land, belonging to the State, on which they are seated ; pro- 
vided that within one month all of them bring to the Secretary of the 
Land Office a survey of their respective lots ;" — and in two months 
after the law should be repealed. If any speculator should after- 
wards lay a warrant on one of their farms, is there a Court on earth 
that would oust the settler, or adjudge the land to the warrant holderl 
In principle the cases are precisely parallel. 

On these legal points I have been purposely brief, suggesting 
merely the outline, because legal gentlemen can with so much more 
ease and correctness give them their appropriate illustration. 

But the confirming law was pronounced unconstitutional and void 
by Judge Patterson of the United States Circuit Court, in the case 
of Vanhorn vs. Dorrance — Vanhorn, a lesse under a Pennsylvania 
claimant, under a warrant before the confirming law ; Dorrance being 
an early Connecticut settler. The trial took place in 1795. 

Judge Patterson made short work of the Connecticut title. The 
decree of Trenton had settled that matter, Connecticut had no right, 
and therefore no person claiming under her, could have any right. 

Far more justly, as the counsel for Dorrance admitted, he de- 
cided that Vanhorn, claiming under title derived from the State be- 
fore the confirming law was passed, did not, and could not have his 
claim taken from him by the proffer of a land compensation. The 
State could only resume the title for public purposes, and the pay- 
ment of a just price therefor in money.* 

The confirming law might be unconstitutional, and a dead letter, in 
respect to one set of claimants — yet perfectly constitutional and valid 
as regarded another class. To make this plain, it should be noted — 
and this distinction is vitally important — that the State had disposed 
of part of the lands confirmed to the settlers, to Pennsylvania claim- 
ants, before the confirming law passed. In respect to these it was un- 
constitutional for the reason stated. But at the time that law passed, 
the State was proprietor of a large portion of the lands so confirmed 
to the settler. In respect to these, it cannot doubted she had a right 

* The proceedings never were followed up. No attempt was made to put Dorrance out of 
possession. A movement was made to take the case up to the Supreme Court, hut the Yankees 
alledged that Vanhorn (an irresponsible person — a man of straw) could not he found to 
serve a writ upon. Col. Pickering, writing March 2, 1798, says " By this repeal [the con- 
firming act] the Courts of Law were opened to the Pennsylvania claimants, who were soon to 
get possession of the disputed lands, and rid the State of the burden of compensation ! They 
brought many actior.s, and in eight years they have partly tried one causej' 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 453 

to do as she pleased. She did please, for valid reasons and satis- 
factory considerations, to confirm them to certain Connecticut 
claimants. 

Judge Cooper, in his observations to the legislature of Pennsylva- 
nia, March 1802, says, " however unconstitutional that law might 
be, as it respects the Pennsylvania claimants, whose property was 
taken on a land compensation, it certainly was binding on the legis- 
lature in favour of the actual settler before the decree of Trenton, 
■who had applied for the benefit of it ; for the State had the power, 
and the right to give away her vacant lands ; and also to take the 
lands of her citizens, on paying a just compensation in money." 

Judge Patterson says, " the intention of the legislature was to 
vest in Connecticut claimants of a particular description a perfect 
estate to certain lands in the County of Luzerne." Mark this distinct 
and solemn adjudication of the intention of the legislature. 

Again the Judge says, " if the property to the lands in question had 
been vested in the State of Pennsylvania, then the legislature would 
have had the liberty and right of disposing or granting them to whom 
they pleased, at any time, and in any manner.''^ 

In the case we are now considering, " the property of the land was 
vested in the State." 

I contend then, that by the confirming law, for the great and valid 
considerations of the equity and policy of the case, the legislature did 
convey the right that was, at the passing the law, still vested in her, 
to the settlers. By that act virtue went out of the State, and attached 
to the settler. From that moment, those settlers who were on lands 
yet belonging to the Commonwealth, were clothed with the State 
title, or unquestionable legal right to the State title. Forms were yet 
to be gone through ; the land was yet to be surveyed and patented, 
but the right of title was in them ; the inception of title was perfect. 

But the confirming law was repealed. The law was not a simple 
gift, it was a grant for a good consideration, the value received was 
expressly acknowledged ; it was a sufficient consideration in the sight 
of an impartial world. The grant took effect the moment it was 
passed. It shook the pollen from the tassel upon the silk, and the 
impregnation was complete, though time was requisite to bring the 
ear to perfection. The legislature had no more power to repeal it 
than to annul any other patent or land title granted by its authority. 
I need not say a grantor cannot annul and make void his deed. Even 
kings, in the plenitude of their prerogative or sovereign power, can- 
not revoke a charter, or abrogate a conveyance of land. 



m 



454 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

The view which I take of the effect of that law has been recog- 
nized and maintained by the government of Pennsylvania, from that 
day to this, with the utmost uniformity and steadiness. 

1. They have constantly acted under the clear and solemn convic- 
tion that the settlers in the seventeen towns had a valid right to their 
lands, which the State was bound to make perfect in form. 

2. They have purchased back all Pennsylvania titles that origi- 
nated before the confirming law, by a money compensation, and per- 
fected titles to settlers on them. 

3. They have refused in every possible shape and manner to re- 
cognize any right in warrant holders, whose titles originated in the 
seventeen towns after the confirming law, one hasty and ill con- 
sidered decision excepted ; showing that they regarded such war- 
rants void, like any other second set of warrants laid on previously 
appropriated lands, with which in the wild rage of speculation in 
1793 and 4, the State was shingled over frequently four or five deep. 

Advancing to another topic. Luzerne County having been esta- 
blished, her voice was heard in the Assembly. Public opinion in and 
out of the State, with accumulated strength, demanded the formal 
redemption of the pledged faith of the Commonwealth to the old set- 
tlers. Comparative peace and prosperity prevailed at Wyoming, for 
the influence of the confirming law was felt, though nominally struck 
from the statue book. In 1799, April 4, an act was passed, entitled 
" An Act for offering compensation to certain Pennsylvania claimants 
therein named, and for other purposes." 

This compromising law and its supplements provided that all Penn- 
sylvania claims to lands in the seventeen towns which originated 
before March 28, 1787, (the date of the confirming law) should be 
paid for, at a price proffered, or the claimants might, at their option, 
sue the State, and have the value fixed by a jury. 

Commissioners were to re-survey lots claimed by Connecticut set- 
tlers, whose titles (precisely as in the confirming law) originated be- 
fore the decree of Trenton. A certificate was to be issued to the 
settler, on presenting which to the land office, and paying the com- 
pensation fixed, he should receive a patent.*' 

* Terms of the compromising law of April 4, 1799. 

Commissioners were to divide the lands into four classes. Pennsylvania claimants, who 
preferred to release their lands to the state, rather than have them appraised by a Jury, were 
to receive, 

for the first class, S 5.00 an acre. 
second class, 3.00 " 



HISTORY OF WYOMING, 455 

Is it not preposterous to say that the title of the settler is to be dated 
as beginning with the date of the certificate ? The thousand warrants 
of '93-4, were perfectly known to have been laid on these lands. Was 
it expected that after some years the two claims would come into 
Court, to be decided which was the oldest, and therefore, which was 
best? Did the State so understand it ? Did the settlers sounder- 
stand it 1 Did those warrant holders, who have suffered the matter to 
sleep forty years, so understand it ? No, the legal Pennsylvania title 
must be dated as beginning at the passage of the confirming law, or 
the right of pre-emption, Dec. 30, 1786 ; the equitable claim having 
existed from or before the decree of Trenton. 

It is here proper to say, that to Thomas Cooper, Esq., one of the 
commissioners under the compromising law, in 1803 and 1804, the 
settlers within the seventeen townships, and the Commonwealth at 
large, are deeply indebted. He gave to the subject the most devoted 
attention of a mind remarkably sagacious, vigorous, and clear. He 
unraveled with unesceeded patience and perspicuity, the mazes of 
this most intricate subject ; aided by the practical good sense and 
dignity of character of Gen. Steele of Lancaster County, and Mr. 
Wilson of Lycoming ; afterwards assisted by John M. Taylor, Esq., of 
Philadelphia. 

On obtaining certificates the settlers were required to give up all 
deeds or evidence of Connecticut title, so that, very properly, there- 
afterj they should rest solely on the pledged faith of the Commonioealth. 
In point of fact, however, the certificate is of itself the best possible 
evidence of Connecticut title, adjudicated and decided to be perfect 
by a Pennsylvania Court. 

I submit the remark here, that all the laws tending to confirm 
titles to the settlers ought to be taken and construed, not as sepa- 
rate, independent acts, but as parts and parcel of a system, as bricks 
of one edifice, constituting together one whole and perfect structure 
of compromise. 

It is a striking fact, that the certificate issued under the compro- 
mising law of '99, makes use of almost the literal words to designate 
Connecticut claimants, employed by the confirming act ; thereby re- 
ferring to and recognizing that act, to which in truth the compro- 

third class, l.bO an acre. 
fourth class, 25 " 
Connecticut claimants were to pay for lands of the first class, 2.00 " 

second, 1.20 " 

third, 50 " 

fourth, 08^ " 



456 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

raising law is a mere supplement. The certificate reads : " Which 
number was severally occupied and acquired by a Connecticut claim- 
ant, an actual settler there before the time of the decree of Tren- 
ton, and was particularly assigned to such actual settler prior to the 
said decree, agreeably to the regulations then in force among such 
settlers." 

The words of the confirming law are — " which were occupied or 
acquired by Connecticut claimants, who were actual settlers there 
before the decree aforesaid, and which rights or lots, were particularly 
assigned to the said settlers prior to the said decree, agreeably to the 
regulations then in force among them." 

If the confirming law did not convey the State title to the settler, 
it recognized in him and legalized a peculiar settlement made, or 
claim acquired " before the decree of Trenton." And to such and 
such only, could certificates issue. The fact of such settlement or 
acquisition was to be proved, and the commissioners under the com- 
promising law were constituted a competent tribunal to decide 
upon it. Their certificate is complete proof of the fact. The holder 
may go into court, and produce his certificate : 1st. As evidence of 
title under the compromising law, or 2d. as proof positive of settle- 
ment or acquired claim, before December 30, 1782, recognized and 
legalized by the confirming act. 

The compromising law went fully into operation. Peace and har- 
mony have since prevailed. Those claims under Connecticut, within 
townships on which settlement had been made after the Trenton 
decree, already numerous and rapidly increasing, threatening wide 
extended and serious mischief, forthwith fell before this act of mingled 
policy and justice. Separated from the old settlers, who had borne 
the hardships of early emigration, and the crimsoned severities of 
savage war, the new grants plausibly urged for awhile, now found 
little favour, and soon sunk to oblivion. 

DISSENTIENT from the vote adopting the report of the committee in favour of repeal- 
ing the act entitled " An act for ascertaining and confirming to certain persons called 
Connecticut claimants, the lands by them claimed within the county of Luzerne, and for 
other purposes therein mentioned. 

1st. Because we consider the act which the resolution adopted by the House, proposes to 
repeal, to be either in the nature of an absolute, or a conditional grant to the Connecticut 
settlers. If the latter, it has not yet been proved to our satisfaction, that the insurrection at 
Wyoming, which occasioned the commissioners to fly, proceeded from a general determina- 
tion to resist the authority, and reject the bounties of this State, or from the turbulent dispo- 
sitions of some of the adherents of John Franklin, who were incensed at his sudden and 
secret arrest ; few of whom could derive any benefit from the law which the commissioners 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 457 

were then carrying into execution, and consequently, it has not appeared with that clear- 
ness which the importance of the subject requires, that there has been any breach of the 
implied condition of the law, viz: that the Connecticut settlers would submit to the autho- 
rity of the State. 

2d. Because if the grant is absolute, it is obligatory upon the State, and can only be re- 
voked upon the terras mentioned hereafter. 

We conceive that a law vesting an interest conveys the most (authentic) and (solemn) title 
that can be annexed to property, after which the State has not the same power over the law 
which it most unquestionably possesses over its own acts of another nature. But in no 
instance can the power of repealing laws affect their obligations while in force, and conse- 
quently, if the effect of the law while in force is permanent and perpetual upon the subject 
to which it relates, a repeal, although it may destroy the law, cannot diminish the effect it 
has already produced. 

3d. Because, although it is universally conceded that private property may at any time be 
taken for public uses, yet it can only be so taken on condition of making full and adequate 
compensation to the private proprietor; and hence it may follow that the State, from what- 
ever motives, having conveyed the title to the lands in dispute, under certain terms and 
modifications to the ConnecHcut settlers, will at a future day be liable to make a more ex- 
pensive compensation to those settlers, than the whole amount of the demands of the 
Pennsylvania claimants. 

4th. Because it is introducing a most dangerous principle to repeal a law of any kind 
from an impression, however strong, that the Legislature was deceived at the time of passing 
the law. A law contrary to the constitution, may and ought to be repealed ; for in that 
instance there is a certain guide, which although it may be disobeyed, cannot be misunder- 
stood. But to pass our own judgment in a legislative manner, upon the sufficiency of the 
motives which induced a former Assembly to enact a law of the nature of that which it is 
now proposed to repeal, and to collect those motives from other sources than the law itself, 
appears to us to endanger the authority even of our own proceedings, by rendering them 
liable at a future day, to be subverted in the same manner, with perhaps still less evidence, 
than we have to proceed upon. And it will directly tend to destroy the order, safety and 
happiness, derived from civil society; for as tlie obligation of the laws is rendered less solemn 
and conclusive, the Legislature will naturally become less impressed with their importance, 
and the people will gradually learn to disregard their authority. 

Signed, William Rawle, Jacob Hiltsheimer, 

Richard Thomas, Henry Denney, 

Richard Downing, jr., Samuel Ashmead, 

Lawrence Sickle, Obadiah Gore, 

Jonathan Roberts, Herman Hershard" 



[Would it be too presuming to doubt whether the Philadelphia Bar, at all times distin- 
guished for ability, but sixty years ago pre-eminent for the talents which adorned it, has often 
exhibited a paper of superior merit? The historical exposition in the third point taken, is 
remarkable for clearness, force and eloquence.] 

DISSENTIENT from the vote for enacting the law entitled, an act to repeal an act, enti- 
tled an •'' Act for ascertaining and confirming to certain persons, called Connecticut claim- 
ants, the lands by them claimed within the county of Luzerne, and for other purposes 
therein mentioned." 

1st. Because the passing of the bill into a law in the same session in which it origi- 
nated, and within eight days after it was first read to the House, is beyond all example 
heretofore furnished by the rage or folly of party, a flagrant violation of the constitution, 
which declares, that " to the end that laws before they are enacted may be more maturely 



458 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

considered, and the inconvenience of hasty determination as much as possible prevented, 
all bills of a public nature shall be printed for the consideration of the people, before they 
are read in General Assembly, the last time for debate, and except on occasions of sudden 
necessity, shall not be passed into laws until the next session of Assembly." 

That this bill was of "a public nature," all who have understanding to comprehend, and 
candour to acknowledge the obvious meaning of words, must confess; inasmuch as the 
compensation to be made to the Pennsylvania claimants related to the whole State, and 
afifected all its members ; and no one will have the effrontery to say, that any " occasion of 
sudden necessity" had occurred for dispensing with the express provision of the constitution. 
This wanton precipitation in passing the bill, is inconsistent with its preamble, in which 
one motive assigned for the repeal of the confirming law is, that it was passed hastily, and 
without due consideration had, and another contradiction equally glaring is, that after stating 
that the said act divested many citizens of this State of their lands, without their consent, 
and without making them any just compensation, it assigns as a reason for the repeal, that 
the carrying said act into effect would impose a grievous burthen on the good citizens of this 
State, to make compensation to those who would thereby be divested of their property. 

The constitution further declares that " for the more perfect satisfaction of the public 
the reasons and motives for making laws shall be fully and clearly expressed in the pre- 
ambles." Whatever might be the reasons and motives for passing the bill, the facts as- 
sumed in the preamble, but which were neither proved nor admitted, seem to have been 
intended to give colour to a proceeding which stood in need of it, if not to bring reproach on 
a former House, equally respectable at least with the present one for wisdom and virtue. 

2d. Because the House had no proper evidence in support of the allegations contained in 
the preamble, and refused to inquire either in the House or in committee of the whole 
House, whether they were true or not. In a measure highly interesting to the honour 
dignity and justice of the State, in a measure consigning to misery and ruin many hun- 
dred families, who had trusted to its good faith ; and calculated to bring severe and 
merited reproach on a former Assembly, a decent regard for the opinions of men should have 
induced the House to have heard the evidence which was called for, so as to give some sem- 
blance of justice to their proceedings. This was nevertheless refused, and an example set 
for preferring rumour to facts, assertions to proof, and conjecture to full and complete infor- 
mation. A solemn vote precluded probing inquiry, and then the House assuming facts, as- 
signed them as grounds for repealing a law founded in wisdom, justice and sound policy. If 
this proceeding is not a mockery of justice, and satire on the House, it must be admitted to be 
of the most dangerous example. 

3d, Because the confirming act was founded in wisdom and sound policy, and the allega- 
tions in the preamble to the bill repeahng it, that "it was unconstitutional, and of the most 
'%' dangerous consequences;" and that "the reasons set forth in the preamble of the said act, do 
not appear sufficient to warrant any legislative interference," are without foundation. 

The salus populi or safety of the people, is the supreme law of the land, to which all in- 
ferior rights and regulations must yield. They originate from and are auxiliary to society, 
and may, on reasonable compensation made, be lawfully resumed, whenever the great ends 
thereof require it, for the accomplishment of some great good, or to arrest an impending 
etil. These important truths result from the very nature of society, and the first principles 
of government. They are sanctioned by the principles of individuals, and the practice of 
nations. They are confirmed in abundant instances by our municipal laws, and recognized 
by our bill of rights. The Legislature who enacted that law were neither so weak nor so 
wicked, as men less informed and not more virtuous, have supposed them to have been- 
The state of the Commonwealth called for the system which they adopted, and had a policy 
equally just and wise been since pursued, the faith of Pennsylvania would not have been 
broken, or her honour tainted by her own sons. 

If the House had designed to inquire for themselves of witnesses at the bar, or in com- 
mittee of the whole, instead of trusting to others, the truth might have appeared on our 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 459 

journals, and a curious syiectacle would have been exhibited by contrasting it with the pre- 
amble of the bill. But the hurry with which they charged a former House with proceeding 
"hastily and without due consideration had," not admitting of the necessary inquiries, has 
exposed them to that censure which has been wrongfully imputed to others. The conduct 
of the Legislature in November 1787, when the same business came before them, was very 
different. Instead of listening to idle rumours, they called witnesses to their bar, and ex- 
amined for themselves. They had written documents laid before them, and became well ac- 
quainted with all the facts which led to the quieting act, as well as with its effects. The 
charter boundaries of Pennsylvania and Connecticut were supposed to clash, and had long 
been contested before and since the revolution. Each asserted her claim to the country at 
and about Wyoming, and manifested a resolution to maintain them at every hazard. The 
Connecticut claimants settled themselves on the lands, under grants from the Susquehanna 
Company, and the patronage of Connecticut. They maintained and cultivated their lands, 
until the decree of Trenton in 1782 That decree settled the rights of soil and territory, as 
between the contending States, in favour of Pennsylvania, but it neither did nor possibly 
could affect the private rights of individuals. The judges who pronounced that decree, 
nevertheless became well acquainted with the nature of the settlements, and the equity re- 
sulting from them. Under the impressions made thereby, they wrote a letter to the Exe- 
cutive authority oi Pennsylvania, which is perhaps lost, but the following account of it has 
been given by one of the same judges in a subsequent letter. 

" We had many strong reasons for writing the letter to the President of Pennsylvania 
We were fully acquainted with the circumstances of the New England settlers. We knew 
that many of them had honestly paid for their possessions ; that they verily believed the title 
under which they claimed to be perfectly good ; that they had cleared, built upon, and im- 
proved the land ; that in doing this they had encountered many dangers, and suffered in- 
numerable hardships; and beyond all these things, and what cannot be estimated, many of 
their nearest connexions had spilt their blood in defence of their possessions. 

" Thus circumstanced it was manifest that they had become enthusiastic for the land ; 
that the reasoning of legislators and statesmen would have but little weight with them ; 
that if the State should attempt to dispossess them, they would become desperate, and a 
civil war would be the consequence. On the contrary, if the State should quiet them in their 
possessions, they would become peaeeable good citizens, and that the State could compensate 
those who held the Pennsylvania title, by giving them an equivalent in lands or money, at a 
less expense than that of dispossessing the New England settlers. That therefore the in- 
terest, the humanity, and the policy of the State, would lead them to adopt the measures 
that we recommended. The letter bore no official authority. We subscribed it as private 
citizens. Nevertheless we did conceive that it would have some weight, as it must be appa- 
rent that our means of information have been better than those of any other persons who 
were disinterested.'' 

A different policy from that which had been so warmly recommended was adopted by 
Pennsylvania. She levied troops, and marched them into the hapless country, dispossessed the 
settlers without any trial of their rights. The horrors of war were renewed, and from the 
supposed inclemency of our measures, or some other cause, a dangerous confederacy was 
forming against us. The Connecticut claimants were a bold and hardy race of men, inured 
to toils and trained to arms. Their enrolled militia, between the ages of eighteen and fifty- 
eight, amounted to 685, exclusive of those of some townships, whose returns had not come 
to hand. Besides these, it appears that there were many able bodied men among them, not 
between those ages, but who were capable of being brought into action to great advantage, 
as occasion might call for it. Many fruitless efforts had been made by Pennsylvania, at the 
expense of some blood and much treasure, to subdue the country, and establish her autho- 
rity within it; but experience had evinced that the inhabitants, when assailed by a superior 
force, only retreated to the fastnesses of a rugged country, till that force was removed. Thus 
situated, they had for many years there kept Pennsylvania at bay, or made momentary re- 



460 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

treats as circumstances dictated. At the time of passing the act, the affairs of that country 
had assumed a very different and still more menacing aspect. 

The number of settlers was increasing. The Susquehanna Company, under whom they 
held, was composed of influential characters in the States of Connecticut and Neio York. 
The efforts of Pennsylvania after the decree of Trenton, to dispossess the settlers by an 
armed force, united that company in a resolution to support them. They offered a bounty 
of two hundred acres of land, to every able bodied man who would settle among them. 
Many had already accepted of these terms of enlistment, and marched to the land of conflict. 
The settlers were emigrants from Connecticut, where their friends, connexions and adherents, 
remained. The Legislature of Connecticut, their parent State, which had by her public acts 
countenanced the forming of that settlement, were, to use the words of some of the witnesses. 
in''a flame the moment they heard of the conduct of Pennsylvania, which they branded 
with the epithets of " cruel and unjust;" and with much difficulty the cooler members abated 
their resentment. 

But danger did not threaten from these quarters only, and Pennsylvania had perhaps still 
more to apprehend from another. It was made appear at the bar of the House, and if in- 
quiry had not been precluded, it might have appeared again, that shortly before the passing 
of the act. Col. Ethan Allen, one of the principal founders of Vermont, had been at Wyo- 
ming, and joined in the plan .of erecting a new State, and that he and his followers were to 
be rewarded by a share of the lands for their services ; that he had returned home, as was 
probable from circumstances, with the view of collecting his strength to carry this plan 
into execution. It would not have become Pennsylvania at any time, much less in her then 
feeble and distracted state, to behold such a dangerous combination with indifference, or to be 
inattentive to the breaking of it. 

Nor was this all ; for it appeared from very respectable evidence given at the bar, that a 
gentleman of high rank in the late army, had at the same time resolved on marching with a 
large train of his followers to Wyoming, and after settling there, to share one common fate 
with those who had alone baffled Pennsylvania in all her attempts to expel them. And it 
is equally certain, that as the insurrection in Massachusetts had just been quelled, there was 
too much reason to fear, that the ringleaders and their followers might take the same course. 
What was it but this that induced Pen?i£fi/tean?'a to offer additional rewards for apprehending 
them 1 Whether a mistaken policy on the part of Pennsylvania, prejudice against her, or the 
feelings of humanity in favourof devoted victims, led to these confederacies, is not now material, 
since they did exist, and her faith was plighted by solemn contract in order to break them. 

Thus situated, did sound policy call for girding on the sword against numerous bands of 
gathering foes, or for the adoption of those lenient but honourable measures, which had been 
so warmly recommended by disinterested and well informed judges. Pennsylvania remem- 
bered that the Connecticut claimants, had alone and unsupported for many years baffled all 
her exertions to establish her authority among them. She had seen them increasing in num- 
bers and prowess, amid all their difficulties. She saw dangerous combinations formed and form- 
ing against her. She saw herself but just emerged from a long, a burthensome and a bloody war. 
She saw her treasures exhausted, and her citizens overburthened with taxes. She saw general 
reluctance, and sometimes a refusal in her militia, to risk their lives in what was considered 
by some as the quarrel of individuals about their speculations in lands. By party broils she 
was enervated at home, and from the prejudice which had been excited by her preferring 
arms to the lenient, but dignified measures which had been recommended after the decree at 
Trenton, she had little to hope and much to fear from abroad. PoHtical exigencies deter- 
mined her choice, and called for immediate action. A small (Jelay might have plunged her 
into a long and expensive war, or obliged her to retreat with the loss of reputation. For 
these reasons, the act appears to have been founded in wisdom, justice and sound policy, 
and if the epithets now bestowed upon it apply at all, it must be to the bill for its repeal. 

4th. Because the act hath, so far as depended on the Connecticut claimants had the effects 
proposed, and the allegations to the contrary, in the preamble to the bill for its repeal, are 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 461 

unfounded. It was incontestibly proved on a former occasion, at the bar of the House, that 
the Connecticut claimants whose rights had been acquired previous to the decree at Tren' 
ton, and icho were the only persons included in the act, were perfectly satisfied therewith, 
and that all of them, except six or eight, had submitted to the government and laws of 
Pennsylvania ; that all those who had been disposed to join them, had abandoned their de< 
sign, except the half-share men, who had come among them since the decree at Trenton, and 
who were not included in the act. These being too insignificant to make any formidable 
opposition, have either abandoned the settlement, or, encouraged by the wavering conduct of 
Pennsylvania, remain ready to renew their mischiefs, if by her breach of faith, others should 
be induced to join them. 

Hence the most salutary effects have been derived from the law ; and war, perhaps more 
expensive than the compensation to have been made, was avoided ; peace and tranquillity 
were restored, or rather took place for the first time. The government and laws of Pennsyl- 
vania have been established and had their free operation, and allies, formidable from their 
numbers and situation, abandoned their hostile views. 

Thus the great objects which the Legislature had in view, in passing the Confirming Law, 
have really been accomplished. They were principally these.— 1st. To conciliate the mind 
of those Claimants ; to induce them to relinquish their designs of absolutely rejecting the 
jurisdiction of this State, and in conjunction with others who had associated, and were pre- 
paring to associate with them, of erecting a new and independent State in that and the adja- 
cent country. 2d. To put an end to the distresses, expense and bloodshed, which, during a 
series of years had attended this dispute ; and to prevent the still more serious evils of a civil 
war, which not only a contrary policy, but a delay of that salutary confirmation were likely to 
produce ; the measures which those people were then pursuing having a direct tendency to that 
fatal issue. 3d. A further object of that law was, that by having their lands confirmed to 
them, those people might be induced not only to relinquish the designs already mentioned, 
but to submit to the government, and become useful as well as peaceable citizens of this State. 
4th. Another object and it was an object of high importance, was to render practicable the 
settlement of an extensive adjacent country, to which the contention about the Wyoming 
lands had for many years proved a fatal bar. These were the great objects of the Confirm- 
ing Law ; these were the effects proposed and expected to result from it; and the event has 
justified the expectation. The adjacent country is in a train of settlement, and if the county 
of Luzerne itself has not greatly increased in population and improvement, it is to be attri- 
buted to the long suspension of the Confirming Law. 

5th. Because the preamble contains most indecent and unwarrantable reflections on the 
Assembly, by which the Confirming Law was enacted. That Assembly was impressed with 
the weighty considerations above stated ; considerations which received additional force from 
many collateral circumstances, which a retrospect to the numerous mischiefs which had flowed 
from the dispute about the Wyoming lands could not fail to bring to remembrance. That 
Assembly must have recollected the many fruitless attempts of government to extend its juris- 
diction over that country, and have seen that the obstacles to it were daily increasing. They 
saw that there was but this alternative, either to confirm the lands to the old Connecticut 
settlers, or immediately to raise a military force, with the hope of subduing them. They 
chose the former, and disinterested men of sound judgment, approved the choice. It is well 
known that at the time when that law passed the union of these States was but a rope of 
sand ; that the people of Wyoming, amidst many sufferings and oppressions, received coun- 
tenance from their parent State, Connecticut ; that they had numerous and interested con- 
nexions in that State ; and that under such circumstances, a war commenced against the 
Wyoming settlers might have drawn after it very serious consequences. A Legislature 
passing the Confirming Law, for such reasons and under such impressions, ought not to be 
charged with doing it hastily and without due consideration. It was a measure which we 
have S3en had been recommended to the State by men to whose judgment, in this case, the 
high est deference was due, and whose discernment and impartiality ought not to be im- 



4:62 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

peached by this House. And various transactions of the Legislature, at different periods, 
before the Confirming Law was made, clearly manifest their opinion that some equitable 
provision ought to be made for the Connecticut Claimants, who had settled in that country 
before the decree at Trenton, and for the widows and children of such as had fallen, (and a 
multitude of them had fallen?) fighting against the savages. A law passed under such circum- 
stances cannot justly be called unconstitutional. At the time when the Confirming Law was 
passed, the General Assembly had the exclusive right to judge of its expediency, propriety 
and necessity ; and even admitting, (which we do not admit) that the Assembly had on 
those points formed an erroneous judgment ; yet so far as its grants or engagements extended, 
they are irrevocably binding on the State, and cannot be canceled without the consent of 
those to or with whom they were made. 

6th. Because all the acts of the Legislature which appear on their journals since the Con- 
firming Law was passed, manifest an intention, ultimately, to establish the claim of the Con- 
necticut Claimants. When accidental causes had rendered it impossible for all of them to 
exhibit their claims within the time prescribed by the Confirming Law, the power of the 
Commissioners was suspended by a law made for that purpose ; lest by a partial establishment 
of claims, (which could apply only to such as they had an opportunity to receive and exam- 
ine,) much mischief and confusion should arise. But the suspension of a law is in its na- 
ture only a temporary measure ; and in this case it was expressly declared to be only until 
the Legislature should make further provisions and regulations in the premises. At the same 
time a bill was introduced, adopted, and published for consideration, for the purpose of grant- 
ing the seventeen towns entire to the Connecticut Claimants ; a grant that there is sufiicient 
evidence to show would greatly have exceeded the claims which could have been admitted 
under the Confirming Law. The next day a resolve was passed, to authorize the Supreme 
Executive Council to take proper measures for ascertaining the quantity and value of the 
land claimed by Pennsylvania owners, to be reported at the next Session, " that the House 
might the better be enabled to decide upon the compensation to be made them." All these 
transactions took place long after the Confirming Law had been enacted, and they will admit 
of but one or two meanings : — Either that the Legislature still judged it proper and necessary 
substantially to carry the Confirming Law into execution, and meant eventually to do it; or, 
that the cogent reasons which induced the passing of it, still continued in such force, that a 
repeal of it would have been dangerous, and therefore, that the Suspending Law, the bill for 
granting the seventeen towns entire, and the resolution preparatory to the making compensa- 
tion to the Pennsylvania Claimants were necessary to excite in the Connecticut Settlers 
an expectation of a final establishment of their claims, to soothe and keep them quiet, to pre- 
vent any accession of force, and to detach from them their new associates ; but that when these 
views should be accomplished, and when it should be found that the jurisdiction of the Com- 
monwealth was completely established in Luzerne county, the Confirming Law should be 
repealed. But if some, by their conduct in this business are disposed to impute such base 
and dishonorable motives to a former Legislature, we are not. The obvious construction of 
those public acts forbids the suspicion. 

7th. Because the grants of land solemnly made by the Confirming Law to the Connecti- 
cut Claimants, assure to them eflective titles, and the property thereby vested in them can- 
not be taken from them, without providing for them a complete compensation. But such 
compensation would far exceed that which has been engaged to the Pennsylvania Claim- 
ants: Therefore, if the mere interest of the State be regarded, the Confirming Law 
ought not to be repealed. The journals and files of the Legislature clearly show that 
the Assembly which enacted the law for confirming to the Connecticut Claimants the 
lands by them claimed in the county of Luzerne, were not ignorant of the magnitude of her 
grant. 

The petition of those claimants explicitly states, that their claims extended through seven- 
teen towns generally of five miles square, and to some detached lots, and the Committee on 
that petition reported to the Assembly that the petition was for entire and extensive tracts. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 463 

In addition to this, the law by relative terms refers to the petition ; ia founded upon and 
confined to it ; and as the claims are there stated, it is but a trifling with words to say, that 
" The Legislature had not proper information of the magnitude of the grant."' 

8th. Because, if we should say that at the time the Confirming Law was enacted, there did 
not exist sufficient reasons for passing it ; if we should declare in the words of the preamble 
of the repealing law, " that it was hastily passed without due consideration ;" it would be to 
accuse that Legislature of criminal improvidence, and inattention to their duty. But no sub- 
sequent Legislature can be justified in doing this, unless (which is impossible) they can see 
and feel all those reasons and impressions under which the law originated. 

9th. Because, if the repealing law could possibly produce the effect intended by its sup- 
porters, it will nevertheless bring an indelible disgrace on the State. It will show that not 
honour and justice, but mere mercenary views, governed its conduct ; that it held itself 
bound by its contracts, only when a fulfilment of them coincided with its interests ; and that 
though by its laws, it will compel the honest performance of disadvantageous contracts, en- 
tered into by individual citizens, yet in its own case, setting itself above the law, it will pay 
no regard to them. 

10th. Because the formal repeal of the Confirming Law, while it prostrates the faith, 
honour and dignity of the State, will not procure any equivalent, if, in the nature of things, 
there can be any possible equivalent for the sacrifice of those great principles of society and 
government ; because the repeal, itself, will be nugatory, for it is an infraction of the laws 
of nations, a violation of the Constitution of the United States, an ex post facto law, a law 
violating the obligation of a solemn public contract, and the courts of the United States must 
pronounce it to be of no effect. Hence the folly of the repeal will equal its injustice; for 
there will not remain even the paltry consideration of interest to console the State for the loss 
of its honour, dignity and faith. It is too probable that the mischiefs resulting from the mea- 
sure may be serious in their nature and of long continuance. Those who were appeased by a 
good policy, will not be appeased by a faithless one ; and those who formerly joined them, from 
motives of humanity, may do it again, from the additional one of our having added treachery 
to violence. Whatever may be the event, we dissent from the vote passing the bill into a 
law, and desire that our reasons may be recorded in justification of our conduct, and for the 
information of our constituents, William Lewis, 

John Nevil, 
Obadiah Gore, 
Samuel Ashmead, 
— ' • ■ Henry Denny. 

OPINION. 

"Judge Brackenridge, in Carkhuff versus Anderson, (Binney's Reports, Vol. iii, page 10.) 
" The appearance oi right which the Susquehanna Company, a people of Connecticut, had 
to advance a claim to this district of country, is in my mind in considering the case before 
me. I do not view them in the light of trespassers, with a full knowledge of their want of 
title. At all events, the bulk of them do not appear to have been apprised of their want of 
title, and I make a great distinction between trespassers, knowing, or having good reason to 
know, their defect of title, and such as may reasonably be supposed to be ignorant of what 
they are about. 

" Before the decree of Trenton, the most intelligent and the best informed, might have been 
led to believe that the part of the country in question was settled under a good title from 
the State of Connecticut." 

" But'' In favour of those who had settled under the idea of a good title, and with an ex- 
pectation of enjoying the land which they were improving anA defending, at a great risk and 
with much loss, from the common enemy during the Revolutionary war, there is a claim 
which ought not wholly to be disregarded. I do not call it a right, but a claim, on the ground 
of moral obligation." 



LETTER XXIX. 



Our readers have been apprized that a part of the people of West* 
moreland were located on the Lackawaxen, [now Wayne county,] 
and that it was designated in the ancient records as the " Lacka- 
wa" settlement. To Warren J. Woodward, Esq., I am indebted 
for the interesting details which follow. 

Separated by many miles of wilderness and mountain, although 
under the same government, and the people coming to Wilkesbarre 
to Courts and Elections, the intercourse could not be frequent, and 
distance divided their interests and their fortunes. The memoir 
will be found full of interest^ rescues from oblivion fast fading facts, 
and adds valuable matter to the history of Wyoming, and the early 
settlements in north-eastern Pennsylvania. 

THE WALLENPAUPACK. 

A tract of country lying upon the Wallenpaupack creek, and 
contained in what is now Palmyra township, Pike county, was settled 
at the time of the emigration of the Wyoming pioneers from Connec- 
ticut. The details that are subjoined, contain the entire history of 
its settlement, which tradition has preserved. 

In 1752, the county of Northampton was erected. Of this county, 
the country along the Wallenpaupack was a part. Whether Connec- 
ticut, at the time of the emigration, claimed the ownership of, and 
civil jurisdiction over this colony, I have had no means of ascertain- 
ing. 

A warrant was issued out of the Proprietary Office, 25th Novem- 
ber, 1748, under which a tract of land upon the Wallenpaupack 
creek, containing 12,150 acres, was surveyed 14th October, 1751, 
" for the use of the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania," called *' The 
Wallenpaupack Manor." 21st February, 1793, this manor was con- 
veyed to the Hon. James Wilson, who gave mortgage to John Penn, 
elder, and John Penn, younger, the vendors. In 1804, when this 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 465 

part of Northampton had become Wayne county,* the mortgage of 
Judge Wilson was foreclosed, and the land purchased by Samuel 
Sitgreaves, of Easton, in trust for the Penn heirs. The settlers at 
that time residing on the manor, bought the land of Sitgreaves, who 
made to them the first title that was ever in the hands of the actual 
occupants of the land. 

Some time between the years 1750 and 1760, a family, named 
Carter, settled upon the Wallenpaupack creek. This is supposed 
to have been the first white family that ever visited the neighbor- 
hood. The spot upon which the house was built is in view of the 
road leading from Sterling, (03^ this is the road running parallel 
with the Wallenpaupack, the whole extent of the settlement) in 
Wayne county, to the Milford and Owego turnpike, seven miles 
southwest from Wilsonville. The old Indian path, from Cochecton 
to Wyoming, crossed the Wallenpaupack about thirty rods below 
the house of the Carters. During the French and Indian war, which 
commenced in 1756, the members of the family were all murdered, 
and the house was burnt by a tribe of Indians in the service of the 
French. When the emigrants from Connecticut arrived on the 
banks of the Wallenpaupack, the chimney of the house and a stone 
oven alone were standing. 

When the first Wyoming emigrants from Connecticut reached the 
Wallenpaupack, the main body halted, and some pioneers were sent 
forward in a westerly direction to procure intelligence of the po- 
sition of the country on the Susquehanna. The pioneers followed 
the Indian pa'h before alluded to, leading from Cochecton in New 
York, across the Lechawaxen, to the point on the Wallenpaupack 
below the Carter house, where ihere was an " Indian clearing," and 
thence to the ^' Indian clearings" on the Susquehanna. This path 
crossed '* Cobb's mountain." The pioneers attained the summit, 
from which the Susquehanna was in view, in the evening, and built 
up a large fire to indicate to the settlers the point to which they 
should direct their course. The next morning the emigrants com- 
menced their journey, building their road as they proceeded. That 
road, leaving the Sterling road before mentioned about a mile down 
the creek below the site of the Carter house, is the one which is now 
constantly traveled between Wilkesbarre and Milford. It is said 
to have been most judiciously located. The point on which the fire 

* Wayne county was erected in 1798. 3 Smithes laws, 316.* 

Pike county, in which all that was the Wallenpaupack Manor is now contained, was 
erected in 1814, 6 Smith's Laws, 190. 
30 



466 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

was built on Cobb's mountain, was near the present residence of 
John Cobb, Esq., and is pointed out by the people residing on the 
Wallenpaupack to the present time* 

At some period, shortly before the revolutionary war, a settlement 
was commenced at Milford, on the Delaware, now the capital of Pike 
county. The settlers were all Pennsylvanians. This was the only 
inhabited part of what are now Wayne and Pike counties, except the 
Connecticut colony planted on the Wallenpaupack. The emigrants 
to the latter left Connecticut in 1774. Within a year after their 
arrival, two townships were erected under the names of Lackaway 
and Bozrah. The former was all in the " Wallenpaupack Manor ;" 
Ihe latter lay further up the creek, and but a small, if any, part of it 
was included in the Pennsylvania Proprietary warrant. The origi- 
nal settlers all located themselves in the township of Lackaway. 
This township was surveyed into farms, and each emigrant had one 
of them alloted to him. Each lot extended, in uniform width, back 
from the creek to the mountain, the distance of a mile. The width 
of the several lots was graduated by the quality of the bottom land 
lying along the creek. The settlement extended four miles and a 
half along the creek. The farms still remain of the same size as 
originally fixed, and with two exceptions, they still remain in the 
possession of the descendants of the settlers in 1774. 

The names of the first emigrants, so far as they are remembered 
by the present residents upon the Wallenpaupack, were Uriah Chap- 
man, Esq.,* Capt. Zebulon Parrish, Capt. Eliab Varnum, Nathaniel 
Gates, Zadock Killam, Ephraim Killam, Jacob Kimble,* Enos Wood- 
ward,* Isaac Parrish,* John Killam, Hezekiah Bingham,* John 
Ansley,* Elijah Winters, John Pellet, Sr., John Pellet, Jr., Abel 
Kimble, and Walter Kimble, all of whom returned to the settlement 
after the revolution: Joshua Varnum, who was killed by the Indians 
during the war ; Doctor Amos Parks, who moved to Goshen, in 
Orange county, New York, between 1774 and 1778 ; Silas Parks,* 

* It appears from the Westmoreland Records, March 1, 1774, " That Isaac Parrish was 
chosen tithing man; Silas Parks, sealer of weights and measures; Hezekiah Bingham, 
grand juror; Uriah Chapman, Ikterj. [assessor] ; John Ansley, surveyor of highways ; Silas 
Parks, selectman, 

Jacob Kimball was chosen tithing man, December, 1775. 

Capt. Zebulon Parrish was elected tithing man, December 13th, 1776 ; at which election 
Enos Woodward was chosen one of the grand jurors, [the ancestor of the Hon. G. W. 
Woodward, and of my excellent young friend to whom I am indebted for this memoir.] 

It therefore appears that the " Lackawa" settlement was not merely within the territorial 
imits of Westmoreland, but united in jurisdiction; taking part in the Government, and at- 
ending the elections at Wilkesbarre. 



1 1 ] S T O R Y OF WYOMING. 467 

■who had two sons, one, Moses, afterwards a clergyman in New 
Jersey, and Silas, who was a fifer in Capt. Dethic Hewit's company, 
and was killed in the battle of Wyoming, never returned after the 
revolution ; David Gates, Jonathan Haskell, William Pellet, Charles 

Forsyth, Roger Clark, Strong, James Dye, Nathaniel Wash- 

burne, Joseph Washburne, Fry, who was the schoolmaster of 

the settlement, and James Hallet, none of whom returned to the 
Wallenpaupack after the flight in 1778; Jesper Edwards and Reu- 
ben Jones, who were taken prisoners by the Indians in the course of 
the war of the revolution. 

One of the first labours of the settlers after their emigration was 
the erection of a fort. This fort, which was probably somewhat 
primitive in its construction, was a field containing about an acre, 
surrounded by a trench, into which upright pieces of hewed timber 
were firmly fixed. The spot was selected from the circumstance 
of its containing a living spring. The fort was erected on the 
eastern side of the Sterling road, almost immediately opposite the 
point where the road leading through Salem, over Cobb's mountain, 
and along the Lackawanna to the Wyoming settlements, called the 
" Old Wyoming road," branches off from the Sterling road. It is 
six miles southwest from the hamlet now marked on the maps 
as Wilsonville. Within the enclosed space was a block-house, also 
built of squared pieces of hewed timber, upon the top of which was a 
sentry-box, made bullet-proof. There was, beside, a guard-house 
standing just east of the block-house. The defences were so con^ 
structed that a rifle ball fired from the high ground on the east into 
the fort, would strike the palisades on the opposite side above a 
man's head. After the rumours of the Indian troubles on the Sus- 
quehanna reached the Wallenpaupack, the settlers constantly spent 
the night in the fort. The spring, whose existence and situation 
governed the colonists in their selection of a stronghold, still bubbles 
by the way side, and nothing but a pile of loose stones indicates to 
the traveler the formidable neighborhood to which it has been ex- 
posed. 

Once fixed in their new abode, and prepared to defend themselves 
from the incursions of the savages, the emigrants agreed upon the 
form of their civil, military and ecclesiastical form of government. 
Silas Parks was the first Justice of Peace, in the settlement. He 
brought a commission, it is supposed, with him from Connecticut. 
His views of magisterial dignity and decorum were, however, some- 
what more liberal than those which the people among whom he 



468 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

administered justice, entertained. It was discovered that he played 
cards. The intelligence was immediately forwarded to Connecticut, 
and he was superseded ; Uriah Chapman* being appointed in his 
place.* The settlers elected a constable, and this office was admin- 
istered by Mr. John Killam, during, probably, the whole of the time 
between the emigration and 1778. Capt. Zebulon Parrish, was the 
tithing man of the settlement. [From the etymology of this word, 
and from its meaning in the English law, I should think there must 
have been three tithing men, as there were near thirty families ; but 
I was able to learn the name of no other than Capt. Parrish.] 

Capt. Eliab Varnum, had the command of the troops of the colony. 
Jonathan Haskell was lieutenant, and Elijah Winters, ensign. 

The population was generally composed of Presbyterians. On the 
Sabbath the whole settlement was collected together, when a ser- 
mon was read. The observance of the Lord's Day was rigidly 
enforced, and the morality and decorum of the settlers carefully 
insisted upon. 

The most perfect equality existed thoughout the settlement as to 
rights, privileges and property. The lands were disposed of, it is 
believed, by lot. The title of each man to his land was the consent, 
and the proof of his title was the memory, of his neighbours. Until 
1804, when the land was purchased at sheriff's sale, by Mr. Sit- 
greaves, no deed had been held by an occupant for a single acre. 

A saw-mill was built upon a creek flowing into the Wallenpau- 
pack, about a mile from the latter. The mouth of this creek is a 
mile and a quarter above the site of the fort. The mill was burnt 
by the Indians in 1779. 

During the years 1777 and 1778, the settlers upon the Wallenpau- 
pack were harassed and disturbed by some Indians who had their 
head-quarters at Cochecton, on the eastern side of the Delaware 
river, now in Sullivan county, New York, and a gang of tories who 
infested that neighborhood. Brantf had given orders to the Indians 
under his control, not to molest the Wallenpaupack. Those, there- 
fore, by whom the settlement was plundered, were a band of vaga- 

* " I tell the tale as 'twas told to me." During the whole of my conversations with Es- 
quire Killam, and my other informants, one of whom was a daughter of Esquire Chapman, 
now eighty-five years old, (Mrs. Sybil Kimble) I endeavored to procure some intelligence 
as to the character and extent of the jurisdiction of Connecticut. I think she had no juris* 
diction whatever, at first. 

t He gave a passport to one Jenkins, a collector of (axes in Wyoming, who was taken 
prisoner on the Wyalusing, in which he stated that the Wallenpaupack people "had 
always been kind to the Indians." 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 469 

bond scamps, outcasts from all the recognised tribes, with no asso- 
ciates except the skinners and cow-boys of New York. 

In 1777, a body of men, eighteen in number, were seen lurking in 
the " Great Swamp," as the bottom land along the Wallenpaupack 
was called. They were discovered by a young girl, a daughter of 
Nathaniel Gates,* (a serjeant in Dethic He wet's company, and a sur- 
vivor of the Wyoming massacre,) as she was looking for some cows. 
She gave notice to the officer in command of the troops, Lieut. Jona- 
than Haskell, and he collected the force of the settlement, and suc- 
ceeded in capturing the whole body. They proved to be tories, who 
had deserted from the American army. Lieut. Haskell conducted 
them to Hartford, where they were confined.f It is supposed that 
the Lieutenant's journey was a profitable one, for whereas he had 
but one cow when he went to Hartford, he had five cows when he 
returned. (So says Mrs. Bennett.) 

On the night of the 3d of July, 1778, the officers in command, to try 
the temper of the troops, caused a false alarm of danger to be made. 
The moveables of the settlement were hurried into the fort. The 
whole force of the colony was collected, and the arms and ammuni- 
tion prepared for service. While the noise and clamour, which were 
the consequence of the alarm, were going on, a body of sixty Indians 
and tories, from the neighborhood of Cochecton, approached from the 
direction of Wilsonville to within half a mile of the fort. They told 
some prisoners, afterwards captured, that their object was to carry 
off the cattle belonging to the settlement. The preparations at the 
fort, however, induced them to believe that the New York Indians, 
under Brant, had attacked the .settlement. And as the orders were 
distinct from Brant, that they should not interfere with the Wallen- 
paupack; and feeling that their presence would be unwelcome to 
the Susquehanna Indians, they retreated to the Lechawaxen, four or 
five miles above the mouth of the Wallenpaupack, burning a grist- 
mill built by Joseph Washburne, at what is now Wilsonville. 

Among these tories were two, named Bryant McKean and Hugh 
Jones. From the traditions that have come down to us, McKean 
appears to have been one of the very worst of the very bad class of 
men to which he belonged. Both he and Jones were at one time 

* This girl afterward married Stephen Bennett. I saw her on the 5th of May, 1843. 
She was seventy-eight years of age. She retains a singularly distinct recollection of minute 
details and is in perfect health. 

t About this time, probably, the government of Connecticut began to exert a control over 
the Wallenpaupack settlement. 



470 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

arrested by Ensign Elijah Winters upon a suspicion of their con- 
nexion with the Cochecton Indians, and brought before the authori- 
ties of the Wallenpaupack settlement. No satisfactory proof of their 
guilt, however, appearing, they were discharged. Some time during 
the last years of the war of the revolution, McKean, who had quar- 
relled with one of his neighbours, one night procured the Indians 
with whom he was connected, to burn his house and murder his 
family. He described the situation and appearance of the house, 
informing the Indians that his neighbour lived upon the opposite side 
of a small stream from himself. The Indians proceeded to do his 
bidding, but in doing it, they made a mistake, and murdered the 
family and burnt the house of McKean himself. For years after the 
war, the old tory was traversing the towns in the neighborhood, 
seeking sympathy for his misfortunes and soliciting charity from the 
humane, carrying with him a statement of his calamities, only omit- 
ting the single fact that they were calamities of his own procuring. 

On the 3rd of July, 1778, the Wyoming tragedy was enacted. A 
young man by the name of Hammond, who escaped from the In- 
dians, brought the news the next afternoon to the Wallenpaupack. 
The inhabitants, alarmed by the probably exaggerated account they 
received of the number and ferocity of the enemy, prepared for im- 
mediate flight. Preparations were hastily made, and before sunset 
on the fourth of July the settlers were on their way to the Dela- 
ware river. A number of the women and children were so sick that 
they had to be carried in carts. They were put on beds placed in 
the bottom of the carts, and in that situation traveled the whole 
night and all the next day. The next night, 5th July, the settlers 
arrived at a point three miles above Milford, upon the •' old Wyo- 
ming road." Here they intended to pass the night. Shortly after 
they halted, they heard, however, that the Indians, (probably the 
Cochecton gang) were in pursuit of them, and they were compelled 
again to commence their march, and did not stop until they had 
reached the eastern bank of the Delaware. The cattle belonging 
to the settlement and such moveable articles as were portable, were 
carried away. All that was left fell into the hands of the Cochecton 
Indians and cow-boys. 

When the news of the AYyoming massacre was received in the 
settlement, Captain Zebulon Parrish, his son Jasper, and Stephen 
Kimble, a son of one of the settlers, went down on horseback, each 
with a led horse, to the Lechawaxen, a short distance above the 
mouth of the Wallenpaupack, for the purpose of giving notice of the 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 471 

danger to some families who resided on the Lechawaxen. The names 
of the settlers were Benjamin Haynes, David Ford, and James 
Hough. They were Pennsylvanians, who had located themselves 
upon the river, with a view to support themselves by the game in 
the neighborhood. When the three men from the upper settlement 
were near the mouth of the Wallenpaupack, they were called to by 
the same body of tories and Indians who had long been prowling 
about the country, who told them that the Susquehanna Indians 
had attacked and captured the inhabitants of the settlement, and 
invited them to cross the creek and surrender themselves prisoners, 
threatening to fire upon them if they did not do so, and assuring 
them of kind treatment if the invitation should be accepted. The 
men crossed the creek and surrendered themselves. Five of the 
horses fell into the hands of the Indians. One horse escaped and 
was recovered by the settlers in their retreat to the Delaware. 

The three men were carried into the State of New York, and re- 
tained prisoners until the close of the revolutionary war. After 
peace was made Capt. Parrish returned to his family. Jesper, his 
son, was soon after appointed Indian interpreter by the authorities 
of the United States, being employed in the intercourse of the 
Government with the Six Nations. He remained in that capacity 
until the time of his death. He lived near Canandaigua. Stephen 
Kimble died a prisoner among the Indians. 

Stephen Parrish, or " Doctor Parrish," as he was called, another 
son of the Captain, and one of the settlers named Ruben Jones, were 
also taken prisoners about the time of the flight from the Wallenpau- 
pack. Stephen was a weak, feeble man, and while a prisoner was 
taught the mysteries of the Indian materia medica. He returned 
after the war and resided with his family until 1818, when he re- 
moved to the State of New York, and died near Canandaigua. He 
was learned in the herbs and charms that constituted the scientific 
knowledge of the aboriginal Doctor. Ruben Jones returned also, 
and died in Wayne county thirty years ago. 

In their retreat from the Wallenpaupack, most of the settlers fled 
to Orange county, in the State of New York, where they remained 
until the close of the war. Some few families went back to Con- 
necticut, and one or two settled down on the Delaware a few miles 
above Milford. Many of the young men had previously enlisted in 
the American army. Ephraim Killam, son of Zadock Killam, and 
Abel Kimble, son of Jacob Kimble, were in the battle that led to 
the retreat of General Washington from Long Island. 



472 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

In August, 1778, four young men — John Pellet, Junior, Walter 
Kimble, Charles Forsythe, and Uriah Chapman, Junior, returned to 
the Wallenpaupack for the purpose of cutting hay. They commen- 
ced working at the upper end of the settlement, and had cut all the 
hay except that on the land of Uriah Chapman, who occupied the 
farm lowest down the creek. It was in the afternoon. Young 
Chapman left his work to go to a neighboring spring for water. In 
going to the spring, he stopped for a moment, and sat, whistling, 
upon a fence. Thus occupied, an Indian rose from a covert and 
fired at him. He sprang from the fence towards a sled near him, 
on which the young men had deposited their guns. As he attempted 
to raise a gun, he first discovered that he was wounded. The gun 
dropped from bis hand, and he ran for the fort, which at that time 
was still standing. The other young men had heard the report of 
the Indian's rifle, but they were at a much greater distance from 
their arms than the Indians were, and they also fled to the fort for 
safety. The Indians seized the guns as soon as Chapman sprang 
from the fence. Young Chapman, although weak from the loss of 
blood, was able to reach the fort the same night, though some time 
after the other young men arrived there. The ball fired by the In- 
dian passed through his right arm into his shoulder, and at the time 
of his death, fifty-one years afterwards, it was found lodged against 
his back-bone. The Indians did not molest the settlers that night, 
though they lurked around the fort. The next day the young men 
left the settlement. 

In the spring of 1779, five young men went back to the settlement 
to make maple sugar. Their names were Ephraim Killam, Jeptha 
Killam, Silas Killam, Ephraim Kimble and Walter Kimble. They 
chose for their residence a log house standing upon a point now on 
the road from Stei^ling, in Wayne county, to the Milford and Owega 
Turnpike, seven miles and a half from Wilsonville, and about half a 
mile southwest from the site of the fort. The fort at this time had 
been destroyed. A stable was standing seven or eight rods from the 
house, between it and the river. A day or two after their arrival, 
when they had tapped some maple trees, and while they were fitting 
up their house for temporary use, they were again disturbed by the 
Indians. One evening, two of the young men — Silas Killam and 
Walter Kimble, were out of the house, the former collecting sap for 
coffee for breakfast, and the latter shooting ducks, when the Indians 
suddenly surprised them. Silas Killam, who was nearest the house, 
immediately ran towards it, some of the Indians pursuing him. He 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 473 

succeeded in reaching the house, when the door was opened for him 
by his brother Ephraini. As he entered, one of the Indians fired. 
The ball struck a nail in the door-posr, and met such resistance that 
the ball was shivered to pieces. Some slivers struck Ephraim in the 
arm. The scars left by the wound were perceptible to the day of his 
death. Walter Kimble, finding his retreat to the house intercepted 
by the Indians, ran towards the hills, and commenced a very sudden 
and expeditious journey to the Delaware. The Indians followed him 
some distance, but he is said to have been remarkable for capacity to 
endure fatigue and for speed of foot,* and his pursuers soon aban- 
doned the chase. He had on a pair of loose shoes, so large that he 
could not retain them on his feet. It snowed during the night, the 
snow melting nearly as fast as it fell. He was compelled to throw 
away his shoes, and took a pair of Indian leggins he had on, and 
bound them around his feet. Thus provided he traveled the whole 
night. The next morning, about breakfast time, he arrived at the 
house of his brother Abel, at a place called " Vantyne Kill," a mile 
above Milford. Mrs. Sybil Kimble, the wife of his brother, who is 
still living, says she never looked upon a human being presenting an 
appearance so pitiable and wretched. He had not eaten a morsel 
in more than twenty-four hours, and he exclaimed, as he entered the 
house, with tears in his eyes, " the boys are all dead." The boys 
were not dead, however. Immediately after the Indians had driven 
Killam into the house, they built up a fire upon the side of the 
stable opposite the house, and settled themselves down with the evi- 
dent intention of besieging the whites and starving them out. As the 
Indians wei-^ building their fire, one of them exposed himself in 
gathering wood and was fired at and wounded in the hip by Ephraim 
Kimble. Of this wound the Indian afterwards died. In the even- 
ing after the savages became still, the young men in the house built 
up a large fire in the house and left it, getting aut of the window. 
They took their course towards the Delaware. The next morning 
they crossed the river seven miles below Milford. The house was 
burned that night. After the peace, all the young men returned to 
the Wallenpaupack, and all of them resided in Pike county until their 

* This Walter Kimble is still spoken of as having presented a singularly interesting speci- 
men of the manners of his age. His appearance mast have been striking and imposing. He 
is described as having been a tall, strongly-formed, athletic man, of a dark complexion, grave, 
even saturine in his disposition, of great vigour of mind and force of character. He had all 
the virtues of his generation, with probably most of their attendant faults. Resolute, de- 
termined, brave, he was uncojiipromising, obstinate and rash. He died in Ohio. 



474 HISTORY OF WYOMING, 

death, except Walter Kimble and Jeptha Killam. They left large 
families, and their descendants are among the wealthiest and most 
respectable citizens of Wayne and Pike counties. No further at- 
tempt was made to occupy the Wallenpaupack until the close of the 
war of the revolution. 

In the summer of 1779, Brant at the head of three or four hundred 
Indians descended the Delaware to the mouth of the Neversink, seven 
miles above Milford. The depredations committed in the neighbor- 
hood aroused the fears of the inhabitants of the lower counties of New 
York. A force was raised in Orange county and the vicinity, and 
placed under the command of Colonel Benjamin Tustin. There were 
four or five hundred men collected, who were armed in the best way 
the necessity of immediate action permitted. The savages retreated 
as soon as they learned they were about to be molested, and the 
whites pursued them. The Indians crossed the Delaware at some 
point between the mouth of the Neversink and " Butler's Falls," 
it is supposed about five miles above the former. The New York 
troops also crossed the river. About three or four miles below the 
mouth of the Lechawaxen, both parties passed to the eastern side of 
the Delaware, Brant shortly afterwards turning to the right and 
ascending a hill on the east, a mile or a mile and a half from the river. 
The Indians passed over the brow of the hill, and the whites incau- 
tiously followed in pursuit. When the militia reached the top, a few 
Indians were seen in front, but the great body of them had circled 
round the hill, as their pursuers had ascended, and the first intimation 
the latter received of the error they had committed, was conveyed 
by the reports of the rifles of the former upon every side of them. 
The militia for a time attempted to withstand the assaults of their 
concealed enemies, and some of the soldiers shielded themselves with 
breast- works thrown up from the loose stones scattered around them. 
The top of the hill, however, was completely bare of timber, and the 
Indians were defended by the trees growing upon its sides. The 
New York troops were suffering dreadfully, whole companies falling 
at every fire, while their enemies scarcely lost a man. Finding all 
efforts to make resistance unavailing, the whites, after the massacre of 
nearly one-half of their number, commenced their flight. It is sup- 
posed that more than two hundred men were killed — among them 
Colonel Tustin, the Commander. Moses Killam, a settler upon the 
Wallenpaupack, who died there in 1831, and from whose intelligent 
and hospitable son, Moses Killam, Esq., the foregoing details have been 
derived, was in the battle. He collected the stones around him into 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 475 

a sort of temporary breast-work, and he believed that if the same means 
of defence had been generally and concertedly resorted to, the troops 
might have been preserved from the catastrophe in which the contest 
terminated. It is said that the heaps of stones collected by the sol- 
diers still remain undisturbed, to mark the spot were these ill-fated 
men were sacrificed to the craft of their enemies, and the thought- 
lessness and inexperience of their officers. The Delaware and Hud- 
son Canal now passes within little more than a mile of the scene of 
the battle, which was fought a short distance below a point opposite 
the point of the Lechawaxen. In 1828 or 1829, the bones of the 
slaughtered troops were collected by the citizens of Orange County, 
and conveyed to Goshen, where they were interred. 

Major Wood, one of the officers of the Orange county troops, was 
taken prisoner by the Indians, and carried with them in their retreat to 
their fastnesses. He was detained even after the close of the revolution- 
ary war, and every effort to escape was rendered fruitless by the vigi- 
lance of his captors. He left a wife. His family and his friends received 
no intelligence of his fate after the battle, and it was supposed he had 
shared the death of his fellow soldiers. Seven years after his capture 
he procured his release by some means from the Indians, and re- 
turned to his home. The lady's situation was a somewhat delicate 
one, and the other parties interested seemed to appreciate its deli- 
cacy. The matter was compromised in a manner characteristic of 
the age and country. The old husband and the new bridegroom 
agreed to submit the arbitrament of their respective claims to the 
possession of the double wife, to the lady herself. They did so, and 
the lady chose the Major. 

After the close of the revolution the original settlers returned to 
the Wallenpaupack, and located themselves on the farms first allotted 
to them. Some of them settled in 1783. With less of danger to en- 
counter than attended their first residence, they suffered much more of 
hardship. The year of their return the corn crop failed, generally, and 
the little that was raised had to be pounded into a shape fit for use 
in mortars constructed of pieces of wood. The flour used in the set- 
tlement was carried on the backs of the inhabitants from Milford. 
The winter of 1783-4, was a very severe one and the snow was very 
deep, during most of the winter the only mode of getting to and from 
Milford was upon snow shoes. 

From the close of that winter the affairs of the settlement have 
been prosperous and promising. The population have always been 
industrious, energetic, hospitable, and honest. They became success- 



476 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

ful and wealthy. Their descendants have always retained the pe- 
culiar features of person and character which distinguished the 
first settlers. This is partly owing to the isolated situation of the 
settlement, and to the great age to which most of the inhabitants 
lived. Mrs. Sybil Kimble, already spoken of, and one of my autho- 
rities for the facts I have collected, is now living, at the age of 85 
years. Mrs. Bennet, from whom also many of the facts related have 
been procured, is 78 years of age. Mrs. Mary Woodward, wife of 
Enos Woodward, died in 1818, aged 87. Jacob Kimble died in 1826, 
aged 91. His son, Jacob, died in 1834, aged 67. Abel, another of 
his sons, died in 1832, aged 77. Hezekiah Bingham died in 1811, 
aged 74. Moses Killam died 1831, aged 72. John Pellet died in 
1801, aged 85. John Pellet, Jr. died in 1838, aged 90. Ephriam 
Killam died in 1836, aged 87. Mrs. Lucretia Woodward, a daughter 
of Jacob Kimble, died in April last, 1842, aged 67. 



LETTER XXX, 



AKD LAST. 



My Dear William: — 

The Annals of Wyoming are written. It is confidently hoped 
the general reader, in pursuit of noveltyj may find in the story 
something of interest to amuse a leisure hour. If the intelligent 
searcher for truth shall be satisfied that our labours throw some use- 
ful rays of light upon the heretofore dark and confused history of 
Northeastern Pennsylvania, we shall be well pleased. 

The severity of labour being over, the last proof but one read, I 
Dreathe more freely ; and fettered by no rules but my own taste and 
fancy, I mean to expatiate in this letter with unrestrained freedom. 
I had some reputation as a paragraph writer and essayist, and 
stood well generally with the Press ; hence, when my work was 
announced, many praised because they thought "Poor Robert, the 
Scribe," or " John Harwood," must, of course, write a valuable 
book. More spoke favorably with the generous purpose of aiding 
the sale and helping a brother printer to dispose of the productions 
of his pen to pecuniary advantage. Flattered I was, and grateful I 
am, for so much kindness ; but my morbid sensibility awakens a 
thousand painful fears, that public expectation, so excited, will de- 
mand something that the incidents of Wyoming could not yield ; 
that even the polished pen of Prescott, or the exuberantly gifted 
Bancroft could not have satisfied. A Puritan settlement, quite lim- 
ited in numbers and very poor, projected into one of the valleys be- 
yond the mountains, " that look so distant here," and there, for 
twenty years, enduring an unremitting succession of sufferings. 
What could be made of it ? What could I do, but in a simple man- 
ner as possible tell their story — draw a faithful picture ? 



478 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

Then again, and with reason, have I dreaded censure, lest I should 
be regarded as prejudiced and partial — I plead guilty. My fault, 
which I did not perceive in my manuscript, is apparent in my 
printed narrative. My honest purpose was to have been strictly 
impartial in coloring as well as in fact. But a Yankee, and an In- 
truder — having resided seventeen years in Wyoming — courted and 
wedded there — sent early to the Assembly — petted by her rude and 
hardy woodsmen, like a spoiled child — how could I help it, if affec- 
tion led me, or misled me, to view their cause with partial favour ? 
In truth, no one who did not make it a labour of love, ever could or 
would have taken the pains I have done, to gather the materials of 
which my history is composed ; and the facts, according to the best 
of my knowledge, are accurately stated. 

But would I do injustice to Pennsylvania ? Heaven forbid. A New 
England man — I avow it — love for the rocky hills and stone-clad 
valleys of my native Connecticut, the residence of my ancestors for 
more than two hundred years, can never cease to glow with ardour, 
while there remains a pulsation in my heart. I am bound to old 
Norwich by all the ties that hallow the remembrance of childhood — 
gay with the recollection of a delightful circle of lads and maidens — 
the sports of the green — -the mischiefs of the school — the solemn plea- 
sures of the ever welcome Sabbath — the kindly blessing of our 
beloved Pastor — a father's affection — a fond mother's tenderness — the 
sweet regards of sisters and a brother, without the remembrance of 
a day that was not gilded by sunshine. New England ! I love thy 
stern and manly virtues, that have filled a country — so cold and 
rugged, that nature seemed to have marked it for desolation — with 
flourishing towns and populous cities ; the abode of industry and 
intelligence, wealth and refinement; an elevated standard of morals ; 
and where a reverential regard for the worship of Him, who planted 
and sustained them, is every where a familiar and cherished senti- 
ment. But do I love Pennsylvania less? Does the bride who leaves 
the paternal roof to abide with her husband, therefore forget the 
sweet attachments of home ? A Pennsylvanian of choice, ever since 
in 1799, a lad of nineteen, I came within her borders, every year has 
added to my regard, founded in reason, for her people, in all the gene- 
rous virtues that ennoble our nature, are inferior to none on earth. 
It is impossible to regard the great Founder of our noble Common- 
wealth without awe, at his sublime virtues — reverence for his pro- 
found wisdom — love for his abounding goodness. Washington, first 
amidst those who established the Republic ! Penn, foremost on the 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 479 

file among the founders of the individual States ; in his household 
came the progenitors of my children. So far from intentionally 
doing wrong to Pennsylvania, I must be the most ungrateful of beings, 
treated with so much confidence as I have been, if I would not 
cheerfully die for her, if necessary. So that if the Wyoming sufferers 
find in me a somewhat favourer of their side, set it not down for 
malice. 

This I solemnly charge. Let no one who comes after me alter a 
a single word of the text. If alterations or additions shall be deemed 
proper, let them be made in notes. I choose that the book should go 
down to posterity precisely as I leave it. 

Our work in no slight degree bears the impression of a Drama of 
five acts — The introduction and brief preliminary chapter being the 
Prologue — The Indian story — the first act. 

The exhibition of Title — the second act. 

The civil war and incidents, including the Plunket invasion, to 
1776— the third act. 

The tragic events of the revolutionary war to the Trenton de- 
cree — the fourth act. 

From that period, the second civil war, and mighty scheme to 
dismember Pennsylvania, up to the establishment of Luzerne, and 
onward to the cheering and happy compromise — the union — the 
marriage of the parties — the gloom breaking away — the clouds of 
sorrow dispersing, and peace and joy taking place of war and woe— 
the fifth and concluding act. 

Prospectively large as is the mass of interesting matter which 
patient research has accumulated on my hands, I regard it as hav- 
ing more appropriate reference to the history of Luzerne. Neither 
to interrupt the current of our narrative by too precise a detail, nor 
to incumber our pages by voluminous documents, I have reserved for 
the Appendix a variety of what I cannot but consider amusing and 
instructive anecdotes, facts and incidents, which could not well be 
omitted, and which will, I doubt not, prove acceptable to the 
reader. 

Though Col. Pickering was pledged to the liberal adjustment of 
the controversy, and was deeply chagrined at the repeal of the con- 
firming law, he did not remain in Luzerne to see his desired purpose 
effected ; but although elsewhere engaged in affairs of engrossing 
moment, he never lost sight of the subject, and was efficaciously 
instrumental in procuring the enactments of the compromising law 
of 1799. 



4S0 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

That he was chosen to represent Luzerne in the Convention which 
ratified the United States' constitution, has already been stated. 
Subsequently he was elected to the convention for forming a new 
State constitution, and his name will be found appended to the 
beautiful frame of Government adopted in 1790. 

When the new Federal Government went into operation, under 
the auspices of Washington, Col. Pickering was invited to take 
charge of the Post Office department. Selecting as his Assistant 
Post Master General, Abraham Bradley, Esq., then, though a very 
young man, an Associate Judge of the court in the county, he re- 
moved to Philadelphia, having sold the Connecticut claim to lands 
he had bought for £500, to William Ross for £2600, notwithstand- 
ing the repeal of the confirming law. Although it would be equally 
unnecessary and foreign to the rightful purpose of our narrative to 
trace the life of Col. Pickering with minuteness to its close, I may 
add, that after serving his country in the various capacities of Post 
Master General, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State, he re- 
moved to Massachusetts his native State, a number of liberal friends 
having purchased his wild lands and relieved him from pressing pe- 
cuniary embarrassments.*^ From Massachusetts Col. Pickering was 
sent to the Senate of the United States. During the whole of his 
life he devoted much attention to agriculture, and the papers of the 
day were frequently enriched by essays on that most interesting 
subject, from his pen. Col. Pickering closed his active and honour- 
able life at his farm in Wenham, Massachusetts, January 29, 1829, 
in the eighty-fourth year of his age. 

Col. Franklin, after his return from captivity, submitting to the 
laws, and giving rein to his strong but honourable ambition, sought 
and obtained for many years a large share of public favour. In 
1792, little more than four years after his incarceration in a Phila- 
delphia prison, and indictment for high treason, there came a com- 
mission from his excellency Gov. Mifflin, running thus : " Reposing 
special trust and confidence in your patriotism, integrity and ability, 
etc," constituting John Franklin High Sheriff of Luzerne. 

He was succeeded in that office by his friend William Slocum, 
for whom he called so earnestly in the extremity of his distress, when 
arrested by Capt. Erbe. Immediately and frequently afterwards 
Franklin was chosen member of Assembly, sometimes by a vote of 

* Considering the exact method and carefulness of Col, Pickering, it is matter of surprise 
thai he was not rich. When at Wilitesbarre, if he lent a neighbour a bag, he was particular 
to make a minute of it in his day book, and to note its return. 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 481 

three to one over any opponent. Having removed to his farm, situ- 
ate on the east bank of the Susquehanna, opposite Tioga Point, 
keeping himself as he supposed within the limits of the law, he led 
off strongly as the advocate of the Connecticut claim generally, dis- 
countenancing all compromise that did not embrace the "half share 
men," or recent settlers; as well as those before the Trenton de- 
cree. A zealous federalist, wielding a large influence in Luzerne ; 
in the then nearly balanced state of parties in Pennsylvania, he was 
courted or countenanced by eminent men, and even the heart of his 
old enemy. Col. Pickering, so far relented, that they " exchanged civi- 
lities," that is, it is understood, dined together at the Secretary's 
table. Whether at Philadelphia, Lancaster or at home, his ever 
busy pen was in requisition, and he filled the papers with essays 
upon the Connecticut title. At length, under the intrusion laws he 
was indicted, but the court dividing in opinion. Judge Yates affirming, 
Judge Breckenridge denying the constitutionality of the act, the 
matter slept, and the prosecution was lost sight of from the favorable 
progress of the compromising law, and the rapid decline of the new 
claims under the Susquehanna and Delaware Companies. A few 
months before an election, with great tact Franklin would com- 
mence his essays, awaken new and old prejudices and hopes, kindling 
the spirit of the people to that degree of warmth, that " Col. Franklin 
must go to the Assembly," and he went. Determined to rid them- 
selves of a man so obnoxious, the Legislature enacted a law dividing 
the county of Luzerne, and settingoff a very small part, including the 
district in which Col. Franklin lived, to Lycoming county. After 
several efforts one proved successful, and behold the great Yankee 
leader was chosen a representative from Lycoming county, appeared 
in triumph at Lancaster, and took his seat, December 1805. As it 
was his crowning, so it was his closing victory. Age had come with 
its whitening frost and chilling influence. The warm Saxon blood 
began to flow languidly, and that eye of fire to gleam with faded 
lustre ; the stalwart frame gave way, and the once powerful arm 
fell nerveless ; but the old gentleman, still revered and beloved, used 
to give and receive delight, by gathering round him a circle of eager 
listeners in the village of Athens, where he would recount the event- 
ful stories connected with the early settlement of Wyoming. 

John Franklin was born in Canaan, Connecticut in 1749, and in 
1828, then more than 78 years old, his iron memory was so reten- 
tive, that he would relate with minute accuracy, stating numbers 
31 



482 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

and dates, series of events that had happened half a century before. 
A vein of sly humour often mingled in his conversation. Giving in 
testimony before the Court, referring to some transaction that took 
place about the time of his forcible abduction, he said with much gra- 
vity, though a smile lighted up every other countenance, " Having 
at that time a call on important business to Philadelphia, I had just 
gone in company with several gentlemen to that city." 

He died on the 1st of March, 1831, having attained the great age 
of 82 years. 

Lord Butler succeeded Col. Pickering, as Prothonotary, Clerk of the 
Quarter Sessions and Orphans' Court, Register and Recorder. 

Hon. Jacob Rush, President, 

Obadiah Gore, 

Matthias Hollenback, . . 

T-^ _^ )>Associates, 

JNathan Denison, 

Jesse Fell, 

Such was the constitution of the court in 1798, and the reader 
will recognize in its members three of the Wyoming settlers, intro- 
duced to them twenty-seven years before. 

Of the Sheriffs of Luzerne, of whom there have been twenty, 
Lord Butler, John Franklin, William Slocum, were themselves ac- 
tively engaged in the scenes we have described ; Benjamin Dorrance 
lost his father in the battle, Jabez Hyde was connected with the 
Jenkins' family, having married the oldest daughter of John and 
Bertha Jenkins; Elijah Shoemaker was son to Lieut. Shoemaker 
•who fell, and he had married the daughter of Col. Denison. Nap- 
tha Hurlbut was son to Deacon Hurlbut, preacher in the absence of 
Priest Johnson, and representative to the Assembly at Hartford. 
James Nesbit, son of one of the early settlers in Plymouth. Thomas 
Myers, grandson of Mr. Bennet, who with Hammond, rose on the 
Indians. Caleb Atherton, son of Mr. Atherton of Plymouth, still one 
of the clearest chroniclers of Dr. Plunkett's defeat, which he witnessed 
and aided; George P. Steel, grandson of Col. George P. Ransom. 

In the minutes of the sessions in 1 794, it is stated that the only 
attorneys in Luzerne are Ebenezer Bowman and Putnam Catlin, 
(Rosewell Welles had been appointed judge.) That E. Bowman has 
declined practice, and P. Catlin was about to decline— that Nathan 



HISTORY OF WYOMING. 



483 



Palmer* and Noah Wadhams, jr., having been admitted in the Su- 
preme Court of Connecticut, be " under the circumstances" admitted, 
&c., (the two years residence and study within the State, being 
dispensed wi^h.) So great is the contrast between the fewness of at- 
torneys in 1794, and the number of gentlemen at the bar in 1844, 
that we have preserved the fact. 

Among the lawyers from other counties admitted to practice from 
time to time, we find the names of Wm. R. Hanna, Evan Rice Evans, 
Archibald T. Dick, Charles Houston, Thomas Cooper, John Car- 
son, William Nichols, Daniel Clymer, John Kidd, John Ross, Daniel 
Smith, Daniel Levy, Samuel Sitgreaves. 

An allusion has been made to the rise of property. Col. Pickering, 
January 1787, bought of Col. Z. Butler, town lots numbered 27 and 
39, for 100 dollars, containing nearly seven and three-quarter acres, 
or about fifteen dollars an acre. In 1842 a piece of ground for build- 
ing, cut out of one of these lots, 30 feet front by 225 deep, sold for 
$990, or at the rate of |6,000 an acre.f 

So striking does the contrast of assessed property between 1781 
and 1845, exhibit to those who take an interest in Wyoming, that it 
is a pleasure to present them with the gratifying picture ; exclusive of 
polls, the assessment of the former year was £2,248 — ^7,493 33. 
1844, in Luzerne county the real and personal property was as- 
sessed, 14,291,058 



Bradford, 
Susquehanna, 
Wayne, 
Pike, 



3,793,957 

2,658,813 

1,238,425 

847,515 

^12,829,768 



Those six counties constituting the old town of Westmoreland. Of 
this value the township and borough of Wilkesbarre are assessed 
$910,580. 



* Afterwards, 1809, distinguished as a Senator from the District in the Pennsylvania As- 
sembly. 

t Among the various items of expense paid by the county, in suppressing the riot, at the 

abduction of Pickering, we note the following : — L. s. d. 

Major Lawrence Myers, and his command on duty, seven days, fifty-two men, QQ 5 7 

Capt. John Paul Schott's expense, his troop, eight days, - - - - 23 10 
And our old friend Abraham Westover, for extraordinary services in taking 

rioters, with approbation of Court, - - 9 176 



484 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 



Referring to the census, the view is equally pleasing. Westmore- 
land in 1781, contained 114 males from 21 to 70, and 26 from 16 to 
21, making 140, quadruple this and we shall have 560 inhabitants. 
At the first census under the constitution, viz : 1790, there were in 



Luzerne, . . . . . . 

In 1800, 

[An increase of nearly 300 per^cent., of which 
about 6000, or one-half, were located in town- 
ships up the river from the Valley, a large 
proportion of them being new settlers under 
the Connecticut claim.] 
In 1810, an increase of .50 per cent., 
Luzerne, in 1820, .... 20,027 
Bradford county, taken from Luzerne, 11,554 
Susquehanna, taken from Luzerne, 9,990 



4,904 
12,839 



18,109 



41,571 



An almost unprecedented increase of 120 per cent. 

During this period of ten years, the full influence of the com- 
promising law, and the settlement of titles generally, was felt. 





Passing to 1830 


1840. 


Luzerne, 


27,365 


44,006 


Susquehanna, 


16,777 


21,195 


Bradford, 


19,699 


29,335 


Wayne, 


7,663 


11,849 


Pike, 


. - 4,843 


3,832 



An increase of 40 per cent. 



76,347 110,216 



.Hence it will manifestly appear that the part of Pennsylvania, set- 
tled under the Connecticut Claim, so far from having been retarded 
in population and wealth, has advanced in both in a ratio not ex- 
ceeded by any portion of the Commonwealth. Compared with the 
counties within the Connecticut Charter, west of Westmoreland, 
where the controversy, in effect did not extend, the increase is 
obvious. Without meaning the slightest invidiousness of distinction, 
it may yet be said, that no part of the State presents a more intelli- 
gent, moral, or industrious people. Since conciliated by her kindness, 
and won by the steady exhibition of her justice, the once outlawed 
Yankees have become attached, with all the enduring ardour of 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 485 

New England affection, to Pennsylvania, her mild laws and her equi- 
table and liberal administration of public affairs. 

We not unfrequently hear from the pulpit an aphorism which we 
quote again, " That man proposes, and God disposes ;" or, in the lan- 
guage of the Bard : — 

" There is a Divinity that shapes our ends, 
Rough hew them as we will." 

What many regarded as an evil to be ever deplored, has proved, 
in the wise and beneficent dispensations of Providence, like charity, a 
double blessing; the settlers deriving widely extended comfort from 
well cultivated farms, and many of them ease and affluence ; while 
the Commonwealth beholds a district of country, most of it in a state 
of nature, repulsively rugged from its stony hills, rocky mountains 
and dense forests, now smiling with cultivation, and teeming with a 
loyal and happy people, the true wealth of a State. The hardy sons 
of New England, trained to labour and economy on the rocky fields 
of their native homes, could alone have been led to see in the forests 
of the Susquehanna, a country which industry could render " a land 
flowing with milk and honey :" But such they have made it. Those, 
then, were the proper pioneers to settle such a wilderness. The rich 
alluvial lands along the streams served to attract sufficient leading 
spirits to the enterprise, and all the concurring circumstances, even 
the blood-stirring romance of the conflicts and woes of the early set- 
tlers, tended to awaken and keep alive, throughout the eastern States, 
thoughts of Wyoming, and increased instead of checking emigration. 

A great and noble duty on the part of the New England inhabit- 
ants on the Susquehanna and their descendants, of ever abiding obli- 
gation, remains to be performed : namely, by their industry, econo- 
my, attention to the cause of religion, and the education of their 
children, to elevate the Yankee character in public estimation, and 
by their obedience to the wise and salutary laws of Pennsylvania; 
by their earnest devotion ; by every liberal and honorable means to 
promote the welfare of the State; to conciliate the regard of the good 
old Commonwealth, flowing in so generous a stream towards them, 
that both may regard the day as blessed which made them one. 

Note.— It should be borne in mind, that the landholders, frequently spoken of with 
asperity, as the stimulators of the Assembly, of Patterson and Armstrong, to unjust mea- 
sures against the Wyoming people, were generally claimants under leases from the Proprie- 
tors, or warrants of 1784. The landholders under warrants of 1793 and '94— the Tilghmans, 
Drinkers, Francises, etc., having no special interest at Wyoming, in that early time, are in 
130 respect implicated in the censure. 



486 HISTORY OP WYOMING. 

RECAPITULATION. 

List of Persons murdered by Savages at Westmoreland, other than 
those who fell the day of the battle. 

1778. May. Wm. Crooks, near Tonkhannock. 

Early in June. Miner Robbins, four miles below Tunkhannock. 
June 30. Benj. Harding, Stukely Harding, James Had- 

sell, James Hadsell, Jr., Wm. Martin, of Ex- 
ter ; John Gardiner, killed on his way up the 
river ; Mr.Finch, Kingston, near Shoemaker^s 
Mills. 

These before the battle. 
July 8. Leach and St. John, near Atherton^s, Provi- 

dence ; Mr, Hickman, his wife and child, 
near Tripp's, Providence. 
Timothy Keys and Mr. Hocksey, Abington, six 

or seven miles north of Liggett's Gap. 
A crazy man below Wilkesbarre. 
July 18. John Abbott, Isaac Williams, of Wilkesbarre. 
Sept. John Utley, Elisha Utley, DiahUtley and their 

mother, Mrs. Utley, opposite Beach Grove, 
Nescopeck Township. 
Oct. 2. Philip Goss and Capt. Carr, below Beach's. 

Nov. 2, Nathan Kingsley, Wilkesbarre. 

" 5. Jackson and Lester, taken atNanticoke, brought 

up near Christman's Tavern, there shot down 
and scalped. 
" 7. John Perkins, Shawney. 

Isaac Inman, Hanover ; William Jameson, Han- 
over. 
Dee. Isaac Tripp, Esq., and Jonathan Slocum, Wilkes- 

barre. 
[Old Mr. Hagaman, wounded same time, and 
escaped.] 
1779. March. Abel Dewey, Robert Alexander, Amos Parker, 

below Salem, on the opposite side of the river. 
Elihu Williams, Lieut. Asahel Buck, Stephen 

Pettebone, Kingston. 
[Frederick Follett, speared, scalped and left for 
dead.] 



HISTORY OP WYOMING. 



487 



1782. 



April 24. 



March 27. 
April. 

July 8, 



Capt. Davis, Lieut. Jones, and three men, on 

Wilkesbarre mountain, 
Upson, Hanover. 
Mrs. Rosewell Franklin. 
John Jameson, Asa Chapman. 

Thirteen men in Nescopeck Valley, now Co- 

nyngham, when the attack was made on Capt. 

Myers. 

It is probable there were ten or twelve more ; 
but we have not been able to ascertain the facts, sufficiently, to fix 
the dates or name them. The last thirteen being armed and in mili- 
tary array, may rather be regarded as slain in battle, than murdered. 



Making sisty-one. 



RECAPITULATION. 



List of Persons taken Prisoners during the War, from Westmoreland. 



1777. June. 



1778. June. 



1779. 



y 



Aug. 24. 
Julv. 



Nov. 2. 



March 21. 
April 24. 

March. 



John Jenkins, near Tunkhannock. 

Mr. York, Do. 

Elemuel Fitzgerald, Do. 

Daniel Weller, Exeter. 

Daniel Carr, Do. 

Luke Swetland and Joseph Blanchard. 

Samuel Carey, from the battle ground. 

Isaac Tripp, Jr., in Providence. 

Wilcox and Pierce, near Tunkhannock. 

Mr. Kingsley. 

Frances Slocum, Young Kingsley, and a colored 

girl, servant of J. Slocum, of Wilkesbarre. 
Michael Kelley, and daughter ; the girl, it was 

said, married a British officer in Canada. 
James Bidlack, and two others, of Shawney. 
Two of Maj. PowelPs men, Wilkesbarre moun» 

tain. 
Bennett, Son and Hammond. 
Abra. Pike, Jonah Rogers, Huntington, Van 

Campen, from below. 



488 HISTORY OF WYOMING. 

1780. Dec. 6. Benjamin Harvey, Elisha Harvey, Nathan Bul- 

lock, Jonathan Frisby, James Frisby, Manas- 
sah Cady, George Palmer, George Palmer 
Ransom, of Shavv^ney. 
Jonathan Smith. 

178L Sept. Rose well Franklin, Jr., Arnold Franklin and 

Mrs. Franklin ; and the Spring following, 
four others, children of Rosewell Franklin, of 
Hanover. 

1782. Sept. 12. Daniel McDowal, Shawney. 

Our list embraces only forty-two. The number, I am persuaded, 
did not amount to less than sixty — probably more- 



RETROSPECT. 

Members from Westmoreland to the Connecticut Assembly , 

It would seem that in April, 1774, four Representatives to the 
Assembly, were chosen or appointed. Among the votes recorded is 
this:— "That Zebulon Butler, Esq., Capt. Timothy Smith, Christo- 
pher Avery, and John Jenkins, be appointed Agents from the town 
of Westmoreland, to lay our circumstances before the General As- 
sembly, in May next. Sept. 30, 1774." 

Capt. Butler and Mr. Joseph Sluman, Agents to 
New Haven, April 1775. 
Sept. 19. 1775. Capt, Zebulon Butler, and Major Ezekiel Pierce, 
We find no appointment to the May Sesssion, 
1776. 
Col. Zebulon Butler, Col. Nathan Denison. 
Mr. John Jenkins, Mr. Isaac Tripp. 
Nathan Denison, Anderson Dana. 
Col. Nathan Denison, Lieutenant Asahel Buck, 
Col. Nathan Denison, Deacon John Hurlbut. 
Mr. John Hurlbut, Mr. Jonathan Fitch. 
Capt. Nathan Denison, Mr. John Hurlbut. 
John Hurlbut, Jonathan Fitch, Esq. 
Mr. Obadiah Gore, Capt. John Franklin. 
Mr. Obadiah Gore, Jonathan Fitch. 
Mr. Obadiah Gore, Jonathan Fitch. 



Oct. 


1776. 


May 


1777. 


May 


1778. 


Oct. 


1778. 


May 


1779. 


May 


1780. 


Oct. 


1780, 


May 


1781. 


Oct. 


1781. 


May 


1782. 


Oct. 


1782. 



EXPLANATION OF MAP No. I. 



1. Massachusetts and Connecticut, with a general view of their Charter Claims, west. 

2. The Connecticut County and Town of Westmoreland, from the Delaware west to the 
Fort Stanwix line; which sent Representatives to the Assembly at Hartford and 
New Haven from 1774 to 1783. 

3. The north and south line, one hundred and twenty miles west of the line ten miles east 
of the Susquehanna, indicates the western limits of the Connecticut Susquehanna Com- 
pany's Indian purchase at Albany, in 1754. Nearly to this line ranges of Towns five 
miles square were granted and surveyed ; the five most western in M'Kean county, 
named Lorana, Conde, Turrenne, Newtown and Addison, are designated. 

4. The Western Reserve, or New Connecticut, in Ohio, being one hundred and twenty 
miles in length, the width of the Connecticut Charter claim, confirmed to that State on 
the final adjustment of Western Land Claims j the United States having accepted the 
cession from Connecticut of the territory west to the Mississippi. Five hundred thou- 
sand acres of this reservation, called " Fire Lands," were granted to New London, 
Fairfield, Norwalk, and other towns burnt by the enemy. The remainder being sold, 
is the source of the noble School Fund of that State. 

5. About seven millions of acres of the beautiful Genesee country, being, with slight reser- 
vations, all the territory in New York west from a line beginning at the eighty-second 
mile stone from the Delaware, on the northern boundary of Pennsylvania, running 
north to the British possessions — confirmed by compromise between New York and 
Massachusetts in 1786, to the latter State— together with 230,400 acres east of that line. 



EXPLANATION OF MAP No. II. 



CONNECTICUT SURVEYS, 

The towns marked with a star thus, * within the Susquehanna Company's Purchase, 
namely, Huntington, Salem, Plymouth, Kingston, Newport, Hanover, Wilkesbarre, Pitts- 
ton, Providence, Exeter, Bedford, Northmoreland, Putnam or Tunkhannock, Braintrim, 
Springfield, Claverack, Ulster, are designated in ancient Pennsylvania proceedings as " The 
seventeen towns occupied or acquired by Connecticut claimants before th#» Decree of Tren- 
ton," and were, with the addition of Athens, confirmed to Connecticut claimants by the 
Compromising Law of April 4, 1799, and its several supplements. 

The Delaware Company's Indian purchases comprised the land west from the Delaware 
liver to the line within ten miles of the Susquehann-a. 

The Susquehanna Company's Indian purchase at Albany, (1754) ext^ided from the 
line ten miles east of the river, one hundred and twenty miles west, and iircluded the chief 
parts of M'Kean and Elk counties. 

Ranges of towns, west of our map, were granted and surveyed (some as late as 1805) em- 
bracing more than a million of acres; the most western on the State line being in M'Kean 
county, (as will be found indicated in Map No. 1.) But we have deemed it useful to give 
place only to those wherein, or in the neighbourhood of which, the New England people 
commenced settlements. 

Allensburg, on the Wyalusing, was a grant to Gen. Ethan Allen of Vermont, of several 
thousand acres, for his expected aid in the grand scheme of treason and rebellion, as it was 
designated by one party, and of just resistance to unendurable oppression, as it was regarded 
by the other, in 1787. It is supposed he derived no value from the grant. 

The square townships in the Delaware purchases contain 23,000 acres. Those in the 
Susquehanna purchase, being five miles square, contain 16,000 acres. 

Bozrah, on the Lackawaxen, shews the compact part of the " Lackawa" settlement, and 
was the birthplace of the Hon. Geo. W. Woodward. 

The mark in Usher (lot No. 39,) three miles west from Mont-Rose, designates the place 
of the Author's bark cabin, where, in the spring of 1799, then a lad of nineteen, assisted by 
Mr. John Chase (the pleasant bar-keeper at Wilson's Hotel, Harrisburg,) he commenced a 
clearing. 

The mark further west in Usher shews the boyhood residence, in 1800, of the Hon^ 
Andrew Beaumont. 

The designation of " Barnum," at Lawsville, in the town of Cunningham, shews the log- 
cabin tavern (1800) of that prince of Hotel keepers, afterwards of Baltimore. 

The triangle marked "Hyde," west of Usher, indicates the head-quarters of Col. Ezekiel 
Hyde, Yankee leader in the Delaware purchase in 1800. Also the store of Enoch Reynolds, 
Esq., (in 1799,) afterwards at the head of one of the Bureaus in the Treasury Department, 
at Washington, for many years ; and since, till his decease, the residence of Judge Jabez 
Hyde. 

To avoid embarrassing the map by the insertion of too many names, letters are placed in 
Wilkesbarre, Exeter, and Pittston, as points of reference, and their explanation is made here. 
A, Fort Durkee; B, Fort Wyoming ; C, Fort Ogden ; D, Wintermoot's Fort ; E, Jenkins's 
Fort; F, three Pittston Forts: G, Monockacy Island. 

After years of search, two maps only of those Connecticut Surveys could be found. Our 
efforts probably have rescued them from hopeless obhvion. 



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APPENDIX 

f 



HISTORY OF WYOMING: 

CONTAININ& 

THE HAZLETON TRAVELLERS; 

OK, 

NUMEROUS PERSONAL AND FAMILY SKETCHES OF THE 
ANCIENT SUFFERERS. 

TOGETHER WITH 

VARIOUS INCIDENTAL AND ILLUSTRATIVE MATTER, INCLUDING 
A DESCRIPTION OF THE MONUMENT, AND A 

BALLAD 

ON THE TERRIBLE MASSACRE OF 1778, WRITTEN IMMEDIATELY 
AFTER THE EVENT. 



» As introductory to the Hazleton Travellers and the accom- 
panying Family and Personal Sketches, it may not be improper to 
say, that several numbers, originally published, are omitted, because 
the principal events detailed are interwoven in our annals : that, for 
instance, of Colonel Franklin, Sergeant Thomas Williams, the Slocum 
Family, Rosewell Franklin, and some others. More than half the 
Sketches are new, and those before published are revised and cor- 
rected with all possible care. In some instances facts are repeated, 
which it was impossible to omit in the main body of the work ; but 
these are comparatively few, and are more than compensated by an 
extra number of pages. 



APPENDIX. 



THE HAZLETON TEAYELLERS. 



NO. I. 

GEN. ROSS. 

Good morning, Mr. Printer. — We left Hazleton on the 22d at about 8 A. M., and 
came in on the State K-oad. My companion had often visited Wyoming, and was 
acquainted personally, or by character, with most of the inhabitants, especially the 
early settlers. 

" Ah! my friend," said I, "then we are at length here. I have heard much of 
this beautiful valley; and beautiful, indeed, it is. But come, tell me as we pass 
through, something of its inhabitants. Let us loiter a little. It is but ten miles 
you say to Carpenters', and Ave may easily get there by dark. So, Wilkesbarre 
is a fine town, larger than I expected. Whose white house is this on the right?" 

" That is the residence of Gen. William Ross. The property was formerly 
owned, and the house occupied, by Col. Pickering." 

" 0, I recollect' having read that he, being an eminent New England man, was 
selected to introduce the Pennsylvania laws here." 

" He was. After the arrest of Franklin and consequent abduction of Pickering 
by the wild Yankees, Capt. Ross marched his company to release Col. P., and 
arrest the rioters. An engagement ensued and Capt. Ross received a severe 
wound in the body, which for some time was regarded mortal. Recovering, his 
gallant services were so highly estimated that the Executive Council of the state 
presented him an elegant sword with an appropriate inscription.* When Col. 
Pickering left the valley he sold to Mr. Ross his plantation, on easy terms of pay- 
ment, which, by improvements and the rise of property, has advanced in value 
to 80,000 dollars." 

[That his two and only brothers, Perrin and Jeremiah, were slain in the battle, 
has been previously related; as also the decease of his father, the preceding year.] 
. "The day previous to the massacre, Mr. Ross was with our little army in its 
march to Exeter, where the Hardings had been murdered, and would have been 
in the battle, but that his older brothers needed his arms. At the flight, the family 
were scattered, passing through the wilderness by different paths, in a state of 
extreme privation and suffering, young Ross and his mother, taking the lower or 
Nescopeck way. Soon after the coming in of Spalding's Company they returned. 
Having a taste for military affairs, he rose by regular gradations from Major to 

* Inscription on the sword: 
« Capt. Wm. Ross, 

" The Supreme Executive Council present this mark of their approbation, acquired by 
your firmness in support of the Laws of the Commonwealth on the 4th of July, 178S. 

" Charles Biddle, Secr'y." 



4 APPENDIX. 

Brigade Inspector, and General in the militia. For twenty years he held the 
Commission of a Magistrate, and during the last war was chosen to represent the 
District composed of Northumberland and Luzerne in the senate of the state. A. 
strong minded man, he had studied human nature in the school of active life, to 
great advantage, and performed the duties of all the various stations to which he 
was called with intelligence and integrity. He was tall, straight, extremely ac- 
tive ; he started early and he moved fast who ever got ahead of him. A zealous 
Democrat, of ardent temperament, he was among the most influential leaders of 
his party, and most feared by his opponents, [as the writer, for many years 
somewhat active on the other side, had occasion to know.] In 1803 or '4, having 
so far made his payment as to feel the full force of independence, Col. Ross re- 
solved with natural pride, and not an incommendable spirit, to visit his birth-place 
in Connecticut. Mounted on a high-spirited and elegant steed, black as jet, with 
holsters and pistols, his dress elegant though unostentatious, he visited New 
London county, his native home." "Ay, ay, that was right. Who, among the 
emigrants in search of fortune, girls or lads, have not again and again sighed to 
make a favourable settlement, to acquire honour, to accumulate property, or to do 
some noble deed to be talked of in their far away native town? Who has not 

' Borne in each season the heat and the cold,' 

cheerfully, in special reference to, and with the hope of some day returning and 
exhibiting to his old neighbours the evidences of his success?" '' Another anecdote, 
illustrative of character, permit me to mention. It so happened in Wilkesbarre, 
that in seven cases out of ten the Federal lads married girls of Democratic parents." 
'■'Ay, ay! that was right again. If the young people can agree I wish it were 
everywhere the fashion. Democratic lads, girls of Federal parents!" ''Much 
absorbed in politics, always on the alert, we said one day to an intimate friend : 
'There's mischief afoot I strongly suspect,- young Covell has been here two or 
three evenings lately. He has some political scheme, you may depend, and de- 
sires to find out from me what will be our plan of operation. Don't you think so?' 
' You had better,' said Gen. B., ' ask Sarah.' ' Hut tut !' cried he, with a merry 
laugh, as the right view flashed in upon him. And the young people were mar- 
ried before the lilies bloomed." 

[William Sterling Ross, an only son, no\v (1845) occupies the seat of his father 
in the senate of the state. Gen. Ross had established a family burying-ground, 
in which he had erected a tablet of marble to the memory of his brothers. Having 
lived to the good old age of 82 years, on the 9th of August, 1842, he closed his 
active and honourable life. Every fitting demonstration of respect was paid to 
his remains ; the court adjourning to attend the funeral. One incident was too 
remarkable not to be noted. A thunder cloud arose above the North East moun- 
tain, a most unusual place, as the procession moved, and cast its dark shadow 
over the plains. For some time the repeated peals of thunder were regarded 
as minute guns from the cannon placed in some proper position. The cloud 
passed away without rain, and as the train arrived at the mansion house the sun 
came out again in all its brightness.] 



NO. n. 

COL. HOLLENB ACK. 

" And this long, ancient white building on the left ?" " Ah yes, this brings up 
very interesting recollections. This for many years was the residence of Judge 
HoLLENEACK. You perceivc, although under one roof, the building was divided 
into a house and store. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps I might say a million of 
dollars worth of goods have been from time to time upon those shelves, or in 
the adjoining store-rooms; and many a quarter cask of fine Madeira has been 
rolled into that cellar," 



APPENDIX. 5 

'' Come, come; methinks the Madeira exhilarates you. Are you not in advance 
of your story'?" 

'' I believe I am. Let us turn back to the beginning. Matthias Hollenback was 
a native of Virginia. Attracted by the wonderful tales of the beauty and richness 
of Wyoming valley, like many other young men of ardour and enterprize, he 
came to see, was pleased, determined to make it his home, and commenced those 
arrangements, which, steadily pursued, raised him to a point of wealth far ex- 
ceeding that of his most successful competitors. 

"So early as 1771, when the whole white population on the east side of the 
river, occupied a stoccade at the point where Mill-creek unites wnth the Susque- 
hanna, Mr. H., then aged eighteen, was one of its inhabitants. Huts were erected 
around the inside against the upright timbers. One Avas possessed by Capt. Ze- 
bulon Butler; next in the row was the store, containing the humble beginnings 
of the object of this notice. A boarding hut, having two rooms, was the third in 
order, kept by Dr. Sprague; Mr. Nathan Denison, a young bachelor from Stoning- 
ton, making one of the family. [Our annals show the conspicuous part three of 
these gentlemen acted in the eventful scenes that followred.] 

"'On the enlistment of two independent companies being directed at Westmore- 
land, Congress appointed Matthias Hollenback an ensign. Serjeant Williams used 
to take pleasure in relating the battle at Millstone, and the daring spirit exhibited 
by ensign H., when he led and cheered his men, wading the river waist deep to 
attack the British regulars, ensuring victory. 

'' When danger to Wyoming became imminent, and Congress turned a deaf 
ear to pressing calls for protection, throwing up his commission he returned, not 
to avoid, but to meet danger. The skill acquired by eighteen months' service in 
camp, was imparted to the mUitia, and his undaunted and elastic spirit infused 
into all around him. When the invasion came, when that terrible descent was 
made by Butler and his savage allies, when the war tocsin rung, and the alarm 
trumpet sounded from hiU to hill, calling to battle, young Hollenback was among 
the foremost who sprang to their arms, and prepared to meet the foe. 

" Our little army was composed chiefly of aged, or very young men, hastily 
called together. An enemy, fearful for his numbers, and terrible for his ferocity, 
was descending upon them. A vast distance, and howling wilderness intervened 
between the settlement and any hope of assistance." "■ It was indeed the mo- 
ment to try the firmness of a soldier." 

"Nearly all who were able to bear arms assembled; and Mr. Hollenback took 
his station in the midst of them. Fear was a stranger to his bosom. I have heard 
several say, who saw him there, and afterwards recognized him in the battle, that 
a braver soldier never marched out to meet an enemy. But two, or nearer three 
to one, was hopeless odds; while the right under our gallant Butler, where Hol- 
lenback w-as stationed, was advancing, the left, outflanked by hordes of savEiges, 
was compelled to give way. Thrown into confusion, the retreat became a route, 
which no human courage or conduct could arrest. Mr. H. was among those who 
escaped to the river. Expert in all manly exercises, he swam to Monocacy 
Island, and then to the eastern shore. 

" Foreseeing the necessity of instant aid from abroad, mounting his horse he 
rode all night, gave information to Capt. Spalding's company, which so tardily 
had been permitted to advance, and with praiseworthy thoughtfulness, rapidly re- 
turned, laden with bread, for the relief of the flying widows and their suffering 
children. Imparting a saving morsel to one, and then hastening on to another 
starving group, he came, said the ancient people, ' like an Angel of mercy.' 

" Ever" prompt at the call of duty, Mr. Hollenback was actively engaged in col- 
lecting the remains of the slain, and giving them the most decent burial circum- 
stances at that time permitted. 

" On the passage by the Connecticut Assembly of a resolve, allowing Wyoming 
to make their own powder, Mr. H. was looked to, to provide the requisite ma- 
chinery. His arrival with the ' Pounders,' was spoken of by Mrs. Jenkins, with 
exuUation, as an important event; for previously powder for the settlement was 
(chiefly) brought from Connecticut on horseback. 

" After the enemy retired, Mr. Hollenback was among the first to return and 



6 APPENDIX. 

resume his wonted business. Fortune smiled on his enterprise ; wealth and in- 
dependence soon dawned upon his active career. Of middling height, compact 
and well made, remarkably active ; his spirits always buoyant, and his frame 
seeming incapable of fatigue; he was an extraordinary instance of bold entei-prise 
and untiring industry. He established stores at various points betweeen Wilkes- 
barre and the Genesee county, along the Susquehanna. If business called, 
neither heat nor cold; hail, rain nor snow, high water, bad roads nor darkness, 
arrested his progress while the way was practicable. In almost every instance 
where a store was erected, a farm was bought, and the cultivation of the soil went 
hand in hand with the disposal of merchandize. Such enterprize, spirit and in- 
dustry were undoubtedly of great advantage to the settlement and improvement 
of the country. 

''After the jurisdiction of Connecticut ceased, and the laws of Pennsylvania 
were introduced, Mr. Hollenback received repeated marks of public favour. He 
was chosen to command a regiment of militia, at an early day. Having a strong 
mind; being intelligent in all matters which concerned the people here; and 
moreover, the government reposing confidence in his integrity. Col. Hollenback 
was appointed, on the organization of Luzerne county, to fill the responsible sta- 
tion of one of the associate judges; Col. Denison receiving a similar commission: 
so that the two youthful adventurers under the Connecticut claim, who dwelt in 
the stoccade in 1771, now twenty eventful years having intervened, were seen 
sitting beside the president judge of the court, ' their honours,' clothed with official 
dignity, dispensing justice as magistrates of Pennsylvania. 

" The duties of his judicial office he performed to very general satisfaction, for 
nearly forty years, retaining the commission to the time of his decease. Judge 
Hollenback, like Stephen Girard, having accumulated wealth by his own industry, 
was perfect master of his own. Attention to business was his chief pleasure; but 
he could unbend with his friends; and no one knew how to be merrier in the 
social circle. For the times when Judge Rush and Judge Cooper presided, he 
was in the habit of giving an annual dinner to the bench and the bar, when the 
Madeira flowed like water, and the cares of business were laid aside for the 
pleasures of hospitality and social enjoyment. 

'' Judge Hollenback, an ardent friend to internal improvement, watched the pro- 
gress of the ascending canal to Wyoming Avith intense interest. The bridge and 
meeting-house were aided by his zealous exertions. Wonderful were the changes 
that had taken place since he, a lad of eighteen, first visited the valley, to the 
time of the commencement of the canal system, surpassing even the anticipation 
of his own clear and sagacious mind. 

'' But he did not live to see the work completed. More than seventy years had 
thinned his locks, and made inroads on his constitution. He had performed the 
arduous duties of life faithfully in his day and generation. Where he had seen 
fields flowing with blood and strewed over with the slain, he had lived to witness 
smiling harvests garnered in the lap of peace; where he had heard the war whoop 
and the death shrieks he had lived to listen to songs of joy and chants of praise. 
But his time had come. Born on the 15lh of February, 1752, he departed on the 
18th of February, 1829, aged therefore 77 years, leaving to his children and grand- 
children a splendid property for this northern county, variously estimated at from 
three to four hundred thousand dollars. 



NO. III. 

GEN. LORD BUTLER. 

"To the left — to the left — let us turn to the left and go down to the river." 
'' Why not keep up the main street? Is not the bridge in that direction'?" 
'■'• We come to the bridge in the same distance going either way; but I wish 



APPENDIX. 7 

you to reach the bank of the noble Susquehanna at the termination of this street, 
for two or three reasons. The view is remarkably beautiful j and the way takes 
us past the house, formerly the residence of one of the magnates of the land." 

" Lead on; and give me a traveller's sketch in passing." 

'' This large white house to the left, standing in a little from the street, was the 
home of Gen. Lord Butler." 

" A fine situation, upon my word — ^the Susquehanna flowing in front, command- 
ing a prospect of two miles above and one below — ^the bridge sufficiently near to 
render the scene picturesque— the house having a handsome yard in front; it is, 
indeed, a charming situation. My good wife would sit at those chamber windows, 
with Gertrude in her hand, and watch the thousands of rafts and arks descending, 
which at times make the river a scene of busy animation, and count it the very 
romance of life. But who was this Gen. Butler? not the American colonel, who 
commanded in the battle ?" 

'^No — ^his eldest son. Col. Butler's given name was Zebulon — the son, of 
whom we speak was called Lord, that being the family name of his mother." 

" Lord Butler was but a youth in the time of the Revolution ; yet he was some 
time in camp with his father. I mention this, because associating then with 
officers of rank had doubtless an influence on his manners in after life. He was 
tall — more than six feet, straight as an arrow, his countenance manly, with bold 
Roman features; his manners grave and dignified. Courteous he was, but it was 
the courtesy of a gentleman who felt the dignity of his own character. Lofty and 
reserved to those who loved him not, no one approached him with a joke or a 
slap on the shoulder. A man of active business habits, he wrote a bold, free, and 
excellent hand, and his accounts and affairs were always in the strictest order. 
He rode admirably, and appeared extremely well on horseback — no one loved a 
noble steed better than he. An iron gray was his favourite. I have seen him an 
hundred times on horseback, and never indilTerently mounted — never without a 
handsome riding whip — never without gloves. These trifles will give you a 
better idea of the man — his appearance and habits — than perhaps a more studied 
description. He was always and everywhere the gentleman. Decided in his 
political opinions, and free in expressing them, his opponents said he was proud. 
If an unworthy pride was meant, the charge was unjust. But if an election was 
depending, and he a candidate, he would neither shake hands with nor smile on 
a man with whom he would not have done the same as cordially if he had not 
been on the lists. His delicacy, in this particular, was probably carried rather to 
excess; for no truer republican overlived — no one had a more sincere regard for his 
fellow-men — no man was more devoted to the independence and liberty of his 
country. But his reserve, which enemies construed into hauteur, was the result 
of early associations. His father, the gallant Colonel Butler, who had been much 
with British officers in the old French War, and with the accomplished French 
officers in the war of the Revolution, had a good deal of dignity and gravity about 
him. A lady told me, when she first came to Wyoming, she saw a gentleman 
step from a door into the street, and meet a friend. With a slight bow, the gen- 
tleman, stopping, placed his silver headed cane under his left arm, took out his 
snuffbox, rapped the lid as he took it offj and offered it to his friend; took a 
pinch hiiTiself, and brushing his face slighfly with his doubled bandanna, bowed 
and passed on — the whole in such manner as to induce her instantly and eagerly 
to inquire, "What gentleman is that?" The answer was, '"^La ! don't you know? — 
that's Col. Butler. I thought everybody knew him." 

" Mr. Butler was for many years one of the most active public men in Luzerne 
County. Besides the militia ofF.ces which he filled, until he rose to the rank of 
general, he held the commission of sheriff'. For several years he was a member 
of the executive council of the state. By Governor Mifflin's appointment, he 
held the offices of register, and recorder, and prothonotary. He was many years 
later chosen to the assembly, and county commissioner; and for some time 
held the station of county treasurer. In all these various offices Gen. Butler 
sustained the highest character for faithfulness and ability. No public servant 
ever deserved better of the public. If he would not condescend to flatter their 
prejudices, he yet delighted all with his intelligence and zeal to promote their 



8 APPENDIX. 

best interests. He was a man of stern integrity, and lived and died highly re- 
spected and esteemed; while in the family and social circle he was justly and 
tenderly loved." 

" And did he accumulate wealth?" 

" A very handsome independence. After we cross the bridge I will show you 
one of his noble farms, now in the enjoyment of a son of his, one of the worthiest 
among a number of highly worthy descendants." 

" You avoid saying anything of party politics in your sketches. Pray, whisper 
it in my private ear, what were the party designations of the three distinguished 
gentlemen you have told us oiV 

'' I will, frankly, if you choose it. Gen. Ross and Judge HoUenback were both 
zealous democratic republicans. The Aurora and Democratic Press were their 
favoiarite sources of political information ; and Mr. Jefferson, in an especial de- 
gree, the object of their confidence and regard, in respect to national affairs, while 
Gov. M'Kean and Simon Snyder commanded their support in the administration 
of state matters. On the other hand. Gen. Butler was one of the chiefs among the 
leaders in Federal politics. The United States Gazette, glowing with zeal under 
the management of Chauncey, Wayne, Bronson, &c., came for more than thirty 
years to his address; and he preferred James Ross, of Pittsburgh, the Federal 
rallying point, to his more successful competitors. Mr. Butler was deprived of the 
county offices which he held, on the memorable political revolution which brought 
in Gov. McKean. I speak of this without reserve and without passion. The 
storm has subsided — the winds are hushed — the mild beams of truth, calm as a 
summer evening, are shed abroad over the whole subject. They saw the matter 
from different points of view, and saw it differently. All were equally patriotic, 
equally sincere. They were all ardent lovers of liberty and of their country: and 
however momentarily divided in times of high party excitement, in latter life 
mingled socially together. But here is the bridge." 

"Stay — who inhabit these beautiful mansions on our right?" 

" Another generation ! Fine fellows, they ! The active — the eloquent — the 
bustling men of business ; among the elite of those on the stage of action. M}' 
sketches are meant merely to bring to your view the more active spirits of the 
last generation. You shall have several portraits before we get to Carpenter's, 
and a dozen more on our return." 



NO. IV. 
COL. BENJAMIN DORRANCE. 

'' This bridge is a noble structure. I am proud that I am a Pennsylvanian, 

a state that has done so much to improve her condition and promote the common 
welfare. Her canals: her railroads : her bridges: The number of her literary, 
scientific, and benevolent institutions! Ah, my friend, Pennsylvania is indeed a 
state to be proud of. Her policy and success are once at honourable monuments, 
and persuasive arguments, to a republican form of government, where the 
people are their own masters, and under God, the conservators of their own hap- 
piness." 

" I am glad to find you in this vein. It is apropos of the next subject for my 
pencil." 

^' Stop — give me a moment to wonder and admire at the extent and richness of 
these bottom lands. I had heard of the extraordinary river meadows of Wyoming, 
but they far exceed my utmost expectations; who owns the fine farm we are 
passing through?" 

" It happens quite in order. This belongs to the heirs of Judge HoUenback. 
The next above — (you observe the farm house beyond the orchard) — is the one 
I spoke of as belonging to a son of Gen. Butler. But see, we come to the pleasant 
and thriving village of Kingston. Yonder is the Academy. This large wheat 



APPENDIX. 9 

field at the right is still a part of the Butler property ; and that neat white house, 
standing in from the road, and those three barns — that below the house, that be- 
yond, and the one across the way, with a noble plantation of four or five hundred 
acres, extending a mile to the river and a mile to the mountains — ^this is the home 
of CoL. Benjamin Dorkance." 

'■'■ A name familiar to me. I have heard my father speak of him. I think they 
were members of Assembly together." 

" Very likely. He was many years in the legislature ; but that is anticipating 
our story. 0, there he is, going down to the village. Observe him — not tall, but 
of good height; fleshy, but not corpulent ; his head large — face round — Grecian 
in contour — good sense and good humour mingling in the expression of his coun- 
tenance." 

''Yes, I see — -but I thought he had been an older man — his step is that of a 
man of fifty." 

'^ He is older than that; for, though not in the Indian battle, he was in the fort 
that was afterwards surrendered; but he has good stamina; an excellent constitu- 
tion; while cheerfulness, independence, and benevolence give him health and 
happiness superior to many a younger man. Col. Dorrance, sir, is prominent 
among the distinguished men that the county of Luzerne has produced. All his 
life he has been the favourite of the people. Few men in any state or county 
ever, for so long a period, to use a common expression, carried all before him. 
He has been certainly the most popular man of his day. Was Dorrance on the 
ticket, no matter who else was there, it was agreed on all hands he would go in. 
Even in the highest days of party, implacable party spirit relented before his 
popular name, and gathering fi-iends, breaking through all the restraints of party 
discipline, flocked to the polls to support him. He has been all his life, sir, the 
favourite of the people." 

"And did he deserve it?" 

'^ None more so : He was every way worthy ; but it seemed as if he was peculiar- 
ly formed to be popidar. Easy of access, of bland and pleasing manners, extremely 
hospitable, always ready, when proper, to oblige ; withal, sensible and discerning, 
the popular heart leaped towards him, confided, and loved. It is but rigidly just 
to say — he never deceived the people. He disdained to sustain himself by rash 
and plausible promises, to be violated when his present purpose was accomplished. 
With principles decided, and with opinions avowed, such was the popular confi- 
dence and regard, that many political opponents would always support him. In 
old times, when Bradford and Susquehanna were parts of Luzerne, and numbers 
going to court had more than sixty miles to travel, I have heard it said, his friends 
would ride to the door, turn their horses into his rich pastures and walk in, certain 
of welcome as at their own houses. Undoubtedly it is true that his hospitality 
was almost unbounded. Yet there were no unworthy — no improper compliances. 
But there were severe trials to both his patience and his prudence, when the bank 
was first established in Wilkesbarre. The people were eager to get patents for 
their lands, deeming their titles not secure until patented. Hence, to raise money, 
innumerable applications came to Mr. Dorrance to endorse — to endorse. His 
name, they said, Avould insure the discount of the notes. Mr. D. saw that 
embarrassment certainly, if not ruin, would follow a general compliance. You 
wonder how he got along? I'll tell you. His answer was simple and frank, 
' Situated as I am here and being a director of the board, applications are daily 
coming to me to endorse. If I do for one friend, how can I deny another ? You 
will see it is impossible for me to do so for all, and I am obliged to prescribe to 
myself a course which I am sure you, yourself, will on reflection, approve.' 
The propriety of his course was seen and he did not make an enemy. Indeed 
the remark has often been made, that Col. Dorrance could decline a request in 
such a manner that the man would go away better pleased than with half the 
rest of this world who should have granted it. 

''When a very young man, Mr. Dorrance was chosen sherifTof Luzerne county. 
Soon after his term expired, he was elected county commissioner. In 1808 he 
was chosen member of Assembly; and, at intervals, he has sustained the duties 
of that responsible station, seven or eight or nine years. I do not remember the 



10 APPENDIX! 

number, but as often as he would consent to serve, and always to the satisfaction of 
his constituents. His enemies — no, I do wrong — he has no enemies — but who 
that is eminently fortunate, is without the jealousy of rivalship 1 — jealousy would 
sometimes intimate that he owed much of his extraordinary popularity to the cir- 
cumstance that his fathei', Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, was slain in the Indian 
battle; and that the universal sympathy and kindness, so honourable to human 
nature, felt for the memory of those noble patriots who fought and died in that 
dreadful conflict for liberty, were transferred to their children. This, doubtless, 
had its influence in bringing young Dorrance forward into the sheriff's office so 
unusually early in life; but his own good sense, intelligence, aptness for business, 
and pleasing manners, would, wherever known, have made him popular without 
such extrinsic aid. Such a circumstance might introduce a man with favour into 
public life, but rely on it, before the rigid and scrutinizing ordeal of public opinion, 
a man must depend on his own intrinsic merits. 

"Among the characteristics of Col. Dorrance, conspicuously shone the virtues of 
firmness and moderation. As our excellent friend, Ebenezer Bowman, used to 
say, he united in an extraordinary degree the suavitor in modo with the fortiter 
IN RE. Concession and conciliation, when no principle was involved, restoring 
harmony and inspiring confidence by healing councils, were his weapons and 
policy. Grave at the council board, merry at the banquet — his life has been highly 
useful, respectable and happy." 

" We must call and see him when we come back — I should like an introduction. 
But did you not say he was in the fort when it surrendered?'"' 

"Olyes, and that recalls an incident which must not be omitted. After the 
capitulation, the British marched into the fort by the northern or upper gateway 
The Indians, under Brandt, as is supposed, their commander, marched in at the 
southern portal. Col. Dorrance, though quite a lad, remembers the look and con- 
duct of the Indian leader; all eye, glancing quickly to the right — then glancing to 
the left, with all an Indian's jealousy and caution, lest some treachery or ambush 
should lurk in the fort. Alas ! the brave and powerful had fallen; no strength re- 
mained to resist — no power to defend." 

"Many years and countless blessings be the lot of the excellent man whose 
interesting sketch you have given me! But we approach the monument — Push 
on ! I long to see it before the shades of evening shall darken the view." 

[The Dorrance family came from Windham county, Connecticut. There were 
two brothers, George and John, who settled in Kingston; both men of intelligence 
and energy. Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, in 1777, led a large scouting party up 
the river consisting of 80 men, to disperse or capture a settlement of Indians and 
Tories on the Wyalusing. Having accomplished the object, an unseasonable 
snow storm detained them beyond their expected time, and they suffered ex- 
tremely from cold and hunger. By Col. Dorrance's order rafts were made ol the 
huts from which the enemy had been driven, and the whole of the company were 
safely wafted down to Forty Fort. In the battle Lieut. Col. Dorrance commanded 
on the left wing under Col. Denison. His coolness in the midst of the fight, when 
one of his men gave way, is shown by the firm command, instantly obeyed— 
" Stand up to your work, sir." — That he fell, in the prime of life, being about 45, 
and that he was cruelly mangled by the savages, is else where recorded. In the 
Independent company of Capt. Ransom, was Robert, the oldest of his two sons. He 
served to the close of the war; afterwards in the western army; and was in the 
battle resulting in St. Clair's defeat. A good soldier, he was said to have been one 
of the few who did not abandon his gun in the flight. True to his colours to the 
last, he died in the army, supposed to have fallen in a subsequent engagement. 
Col. Benjamin Dorrance, of whom we commenced to speak, departed this life in 
August, 1837, aged 70 years, and was interred in the Kingston burying-ground with 
every possible mark of respect and affection. He left two sons. Col. Charles 
Dorrance, resembling much his father, resides at the homestead. The Rev. John 
Dorrance is the beloved pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Wilkesbarre. 

Our legal readers are, of course, familiar with the celebrated land trial before 
Judge Patterson — Van Horn, (Lessee), vs. Dorrance. 



APPENDIX. 11 

The defendant in that suit was John Dorrance, the elder brother of George. 
John was born in 1733, Uved a bachelor, and died in July, 1804, aged 71 years, 
commanding general confidence and respect through his whole life.] 



NO. V. 
REV. BENJAMIN BIDLACK. 

" The Pilgrim's spirit has not fled — 

It walks in noon's broad light, 
And it watches the bed of the glorious dead 

With the holy stars by night." — Pierpont. 

" Leaf after leaf as T turn over the pages that record the early history of 

Wyoming, the virtues of courage, fortitude, and patriotism of her inhabitants, 
stand out in bold relief Wherever danger was to be met, or glory was to be won, 
there were they found alert and cheerful at the post of duly. The battle was dis- 
astrous in the extreme, but without a shade of dishonour ! What else could have 
been expected? The bone and sinew of Wyoming, raised for our special defence, 
had been called away to defend the country below. Washington needed them: 
Our country required their services elsewhere, and Wyoming was left exposed to 
attack. The enemy came ! How could our people fly? What chance for life if 
they attempted a retreat through the wilderness? It is apparent that to fight or be 
unresistingly slaughtered was their only alternative. I do not mean to discuss the 
question, here, what they ought to have done : though, I declare, I do not see 
among the thousand difficulties that surrounded them, that they could have done 
otherwise than meet the enemy, and decide their fate by arms. I purpose, by 
and by, to give a picture of the battle — Not now. 

''I will now, my friend, present you with a sketch of another patriotic family, 
who fought, and suffered, and bled in the righteous cause of liberty. 

'• There lives in the village of Kingston, (the house stands at the left as we 
came up, not far below the residence of Col. Dorrance,) an aged and venerable 
man, a minister of the Gospel in the Methodist Episcopal persuasion Though 
four score years and more have passed over him, he still moves erect, with dig- 
nity and grace. Tall, of fine form, in early life he was a powerful man, all nerve 
and muscle. Full of energy — full of ardour — glowing with patriotism, he entered 
into the service of his country at the very commencement of the Revolutionary 
war. He was at Boston when Washington assembled the first American army, 
to oppose Gage and his bloody myrmidons, and to resist British aggression. He 
was afterwards at the lines before New York; he had a brother taken prisoner in 
the battle at Long Island, and, as was the fate of many a fine fellow at the com- 
mencement of the war, while we were regarded as rebels, to be despised and 
slaughtered, instead of an enemy to be respected — he was starved to death! 

'' But who is it you are speaking of?"' 

'•' The Rev. Benjamin Bidlack. Attend, and you shall judge if his family do not 
stand out most honourably and conspicuously among the patriots of that day. Mr. 
Bidlack's term of enlistnient being out, he joined his father's family at Wyoming 
in 1777. Here he entered immediately into active duty. A large party under 
the command of Capt. Asaph Whittlesey, of the Plymouth company, was ordered 
up the river from whence rumours of the enemy had come. Mr. Bidlack was 
one of the volunteers. They marched about 50 miles. Mr. Bidlack then entered 
again into the regular service, and continued in the army till the close of the war. 
Besides other events in which he participated, he was present at the glorious and 
crowning struggle at Yorktown, where Cornwallis, the pride of the BriUsh army, 
was hemmed in. The lion was brought to bay. It is exhilarating to hear Mr. 
B. speak of that event, and recount the incidents of the contest. Our batteries 
played away night and day. It was one incessant blaze and thunder— roar and 



12 APPENDIX. 

flash ! Midnight was lighted up so that you might pick up a glove almost any- 
where on the held. The result you know." 

"I'ruly that family did their part worthily " 

"Stay, my friend; I have more to tell, and of events that occurred in this valley. 
James Bidlack, Jr., another brother, commanded the Wilkesbarre Company, which 
he led into battle on the fatal 3d. — -He died where he stood, at the head of his 
men. Only eight of all his company escaped. They were of the true blood, the 
whole family of Bidlacks — mild in private life, remarkably clever and obliging; 
the social virtues, in the peaceful circle, seemed to find in them their happiest 
illustrations: but called to arms! and roused to action! they were all and each 
every inch the soldier. 

" The circumstance is certainly extraordinary — it is nevertheless true: The day 
that Capt. James Bidlack led his men into action, his father, James Bidlack, Sen., 
commanded a company of aged men and kept garrison in the fort at Plymouth. 
Father and sons — all of them were in the service, and two of them sealed with their 
lives their attachment to freedom. Nor yet is the eventful story ended. When 
the savages returned the following year in force to Wyoming, old Mr. Bidlack, 
the father, was surprised and taken prisoner, and carried into a deeply suffering 
captivity, from which he was only relieved by the return of peace. But he did 
return to the beloved valley, and lived to see his country rise into almost unhoped- 
for prosperity, the fruit of the services of the patriots of the Revolution. It is 
nearly thirty years since the father was called, we trust, to a better world. The 
circumstances that occurred in many years of active life after the close of the 
war, to Mr. Benjamin Bidlack, it does not belong to the purpose of these sketches 
to portray. Many years ago he became a preacher of the Methodist persuasion, 
and spoke, as he had fought, with impressive earnestness, and ardent sincerity. 
Indeed, the Bidlack family seem in their conduct to have kept the true end of life 
in view : 

' Stil] to employ 
The mind's brave ardour in heroic aims ; 
Such as may raise us o'er the groveling herd, 
And make us shine forever — That is life.' "* 

* May, 1845. The worthy old Patriot still lives, blessed with abundance, and the even- 
ing of life is cheered by the well-merited fortune of his son, the Hon. Benjamin Alden Bid- 
lack, who has been the past four years member of Congress from this District; and recently 
has been appointed minister to Grenada, carrying with him not only the approbation of his 
political friends, but the hearty good will of all his neighbours. 



NO. VL 
NOAH PETTEBONE. 

The fine farm, after passingthat of Col. Dorrance, has belonged, from very early 
times, to the Pettebone family. Observe that white house on the right. — the barn, 
an hundred feet long, on the left — those beautiful Hats, extending more than a mile 
from the river towards the mountain ! Attractive to the eye, prolific of every 
good thing kind earth can yield. Nature must have been in excellent humour 
when she formed those lovely plains. 

Noah Pettebone emigrated from Hartford county. He had three sons and four 
daughters; the names of the sons were Noah, Stephen, and Oliver. When the 
Independent companies of Durkee and Ransom were raised, Stephen, the second 
son, enlisted and marched, near the close of 1776, to join the army of Gen. Wash- 
ington, leaving Noah, the oldest brother, and Oliver, then a lad of 14, at home with 
their father. 

When the alarm gun gave notice that the enemy was in the valley, Noah re- 
paired promptly to the post of danger; was in the dreadful conflict that ensued, 



APPENDIX. 13 

and was slain, leaving a young wife to mingle her tears with those of his aged 
father, for his loss* 

Stephen, having come in with Capt. Spalding's company, was murdered the fol- 
lowing spring by a band of savages, on the flats, a little beyond where the western 
abutment of the bridge terminates. Mr. WiUiams and Mr. Buck, fell at the same 
time, and Mr. FoUet was shot, pierced through several times with a spear, scalped 
and left for dead — but recovered. His own account of the matter was, that know- 
ing they would strike whUe signs of life remained, summoning his utmost power 
he lay perfectly still, notwithstanding repeated wounds, pretending to be dead. 
The bold and daring deed being perpetrated in plain sight of Wilkesbarre, the 
Indians, having brief space to effect their purpose, did not strike him with the 
tomahawk. The unflinching firmness displayed was almost more than human • 
we know of but one parallel instance.! 

Thus two of the old man's sons poured out their life blood, victims to Indian 
barbarity, martyrs in the holy cause of Liberty and Independence. 

The younger brother. Oliver was in Forty Fort at the time ot its surrender. On 
the decease of his father the care of the family and estate devolved on him. The 
writer remembers him well as he appeared thirty years ago. He was tall, slender, 
but well made, of frank and agreeable manners. We knew him in public life as 
commissioner of the county, a vigilant and faithful officer ; and as a private gen- 
tleman liberal and kind, ever assiduous to please. He was a man of perfect in- 
tegrity and honour. Having lived to the good old age of 70, he died in March 
1832. 

Such is the mingled painful and pleasing record of one of the most patriotic 
families of Wyoming, and among the deepest sufferers. 

The plantation is now owned by Noah (it is right to preserve the old family 
name), and his brother, the Hon. Henry Pettebone, in the possession of whose 
descendants we hope it may remain a thousand years. Judge H. Pettebone, of 
whom we speak, has recently received that appointment in place of Judge Bennett, 
resigned.? 

* The widow intermarried with Amariah Watson, a respectable farmer of Huntington. 

t Related by Capt. Basil Hall. 

X Col. Erastus Hill, who owns that very handsome seat, next above William Sweetlands, 
married a daughter of Oliver Pettebone, and residing near the spot, has taken great interest 
in the erection of the monument. In his possession are a number of sculls and thighbones 
taken from the pit, where they were first deposited. For several years, not only the deep 
stroke of the tomahawk was visible, but marks of the accursed scalping knife were plain to 
be seen ; while the rifle bullet hole in the thigh bone, smoothly cut, without the least 
splint or fracture, as with a sharp bit or gouge, excited much interest. But they are fast 
crumbling by exposure to the air. 

[P. S. It would appear that patriot blood ran warmly through the hearts of the whole 
Pettebone family, for our researches show us that those who remained in Connecticut, if 
less deeply sufferers, were not less active in the service of the country. In 1775, Col. Jona- 
than Pettebone assembled his regiment and addressed them. " The spirit was so generous," 
says the Record, " that a number sufficient to form three companies of 68 men each, ex- 
clusive of officers, immediately enlisted, and were ready for any expedition on the shortest 
notice." 

When the militia, two or three years afterwards, were re-organized. Col. Pettebone re- 
ceived the command of the 18th Regiment. 

A gallant enterprise was eff'ected in 1777, in which Capt. Abel Pettebone of Enos' Regi- 
ment, and Capt. Levenworth and Ely of Meigs' Regiment took the lead. Having by great 
celerity surprised the enemy at Horse Neck, they took six light-horse prisoners, a number 
of horses, cattle, and arms, burnt three vessels loaded with provisions for New York, and 
broke up a pestilent nest of cow-boys ; returning after travelling more than sixty miles, 
having been absent only 10 hours. 



14 APPENDIX. 



NO. VII. 

MRS. MYERS. 

" You say we have passed Forty Fort ?" '' Yes — its position was sixty rods 

to our right when we were at the meeting-house." " I am sorry we did not tarry 
long enough to take a view, ruined and dilapidated as I know it is, of that so 
much talked of fortification. But are there not some of the ancient people living 
near, who were here in those times of peril and suffering, whose recollections 
could furnish us with incidents worth remembering, and characteristic anecdotes 
of some of the distinguished men of that day"?" "There are several in the neigh- 
bourhood, and among them a highly intelligent and respectable lady, who was 16 
years old at the time of the battle. I refer to Mrs. Myers. I think she is mother 
of the present sheriff' of Luzerne; her maiden name was Bennett, daughter of 

Bennett. Some years ago, when Professor Silliman was in the valley, led 

by the same liberal curiosity which seems to animate your breast, he visited Mrs. 
Myers, and I had the good fortune to be present at the interview. Mr. S. was 
almost an enthusiast in whatever related to Revolutionary story. An ardent friend 
of liberty himself, his gallant father was an officer in the war for independence; 
so he entered with that hearty zeal upon his inquiries, which, from sympathy, 
awakened in Mrs. Myers a lively recollection of the time. 

"Our men, Mrs. M. said, marched out two or three abreast, with drums beating 
and colours flying. They were all conscious that there was great danger ; they 
knew not the strength of the enemy, for they had concealed it with great skill. 
She mentioned this fact : One of the people, a Mr. Finch, had been shot and 
scalped two days before the engagement, near the gorge of the mountain, not far 
from where Shoemaker's tavern now is. A Mr. Hewitt at the same time was shot 
through the hand. A considerable party went out on the 2d of July to bring away 
the remains of Finch, and did so without interruption. Afterwards it was known 
that several hundred Indians were concealed within striking distance, and could 
easily have destroyed our whole party, but did not choose to unveil their strength, 
lest our people should become too cautious. 

" After our men had marched forth from the fort, several horsemen were seen 
galloping up from towards the Ferry. All eyes were upon them : their horses jaded, 
were yet in a foam — the sweat dropping from their panting sides. They proved 
to be Capt. Durkee, Lieut. Phineas Pearce, and another officer from Capt Spald- 
ing's company, which had advanced as far as Shupp's, about fifty miles distance ; 
and these gallant men had ridden all night. They learned that our people had 
gone out to meet the enemy. ' A morsel of anything, Mrs. Bennett,' said they to 
her mother — ' a morsel of food, and we will follow.' The table was hastily spread, 
and they partook of their last meal. Of course they had not slept, and were very 
unfit for the field action. Country ! — liberty ! — home ! — wives ! — children ! — and 
friends! — all were in danger; and they allowed no selfish consideration to weigh 
a feather against the behests of duty. Forward they went — rushed into the thick- 
est of the fight, and when the sun cast his last bright glance on the valley, they 
slept in the arms of honourable death, or wounded, were prisoners to demons 
incarnate, reserved (the thought is distressing — ^horrible !) reserved for agonizing 
torture. 

" During the battle, those left at Forty Fort could step on the river bank and hear 
the firing distinctly. For a while it was kept up with spirit, and hope prevailed ; 
by and by it became broken and irregTilar, approaching nearer and nearer. 'Ah!' 
exclaimed one, ' all is lost — our people are defeated — they are retreating !' It 
was a dreadful moment. The battle began about four in the afternoon. Just at eve- 
ning a few of the fugitives rushed in and fell down exhausted — some wounded and 
bloody. Through the night, every hour, one or more came into the fort. On the 
4th, the day after the massacre, terms of capitulation were agreed upon between 
Col. John Butler and Col. Denison. The enemy marched in six abreast, part at 



APPENDIX. 15 

one gate, part at the other, their banners flying and music playing. On paper 
the terms are fair, and security promised by the victor to life and property. 

'' But the Indians immediately began to rob and burn, plunder and destroy. Col . 
Denison sent for Col. Butler ; they sat down together by a table on which the 
capitulation had been signed, (which is yet carefully preserved by Mrs. Myers.) 
She and a girl a little older sat on a seat within the fort, close by, and heard every 
word they said. Col. D. complained of the injuries doing to the inhabitants by 
the savages. ' I will put a stop to it, sir. I will put a stop to it,' said Butler. The 
plundering continued: Col. D. sent again for Butler, and remonstrated with 
energy: — 'Col. Butler,' said he, '^ we have surrendered our fort and arms to you 
on the pledge of your faith that life and property should be protected. Articles of 
capitulation are considered as sacred by all civilized people ;' this was, perhaps, 
the third time. '■ I'll tell you what, sir,' replied Col. Butler, waving his hand im- 
patiently, ' I can do nothing with them — I can do nothing with them.' 

"■ The Indians, to show their entire independence and power, came into the fort, 
and one took the hat from Col. Denison's head. Another demanded his rifle, 
frock, a dress much worn by officers as well as soldiers. It did not suit Col. D. 
to be thus stripped — whereupon the Indian raised his tomahawk menacingly, and 
Col. Denison was obliged to yield ; but seeming to find difficulty in taking off the 
garment, he stepped back to where the young women were sitting: the girl who 
sat by Miss Bennett was one of Col. D.'s own family — she understood the move- 
ment, and took from a pocket in the frock a purse, and hid it under her apron ; 
the frock was delivered to the Indian, and the town money (for the purse, con- 
taining a few dollars, was the whole military chest of Wyoming) was saved. 

''Mrs. Myers represents Col. Butler as a portly, good-looking man, perhaps 45, 
dressed in green, the uniform of Butler's rangers, with a cap and feather. Col. 
Butler led the chief part of his army away in a few days; but parties of Indians 
continued in the valley burning and plundering. Her father's house was left for 
a week; she used to go out often to see if it was safe. One morning as she looked 
out from the fort, fire after fire rose, east, west, north and south — and casting her 
eyes towards home, the flames were bursting from the roof, and in an hour it was 
all a heap of ruins. 

' Why flames yon fair valley — why shoot to the blast. 
Those emblems like stars, to the firmament cast? 
'Tis THE FIRE SHOWEK OF KuiN, all dreadfully driven!' 

In a week or ten days it was seen that the articles of capitulation afforded no 
security — and those that remained followed their friends who had fled imme- 
diately after the massacre into exile. 

" Having returned, peace returned not with them. Early the following spring 
Mr. Bennett, the father of Mrs. Myers, a lad, her brother, and Lebeus Hammond, 
who were out at work, were captured by a party of six savages, and hurried 
away to the north. One evening the 2d or 3d day, Mr. Bennett asked one of the 
Indians for his moccason awl, to help put on a button. ' No want button for one 
night,' replied the savage — from which the prisoners inferred that after another 
day they were to be murdered. While the Indians went to a spring to drink, 
they concerted a plan to escape. Mr. Bennett being in years, was permitted to 
travel unbound. Hammond and the boy had their arms tied. At night they all lay 
down to sleep except an Indian and Mr. Bennett ; the latter brought in dry wood, 
kept up the fire, busied himself as if to make everything as comfortable as he 
could, and then seating himself by the fire, took the Indian's spear, laid it on his 
lap, and rolled it playfully on his thigh. Every now and then the savage would 
cast a look at him, half of suspicion, and then go to picking the deer's head again 
which he had roasted and held in his hand, nodding the while, half asleep. 
Tired, the other Indians who had laid down wrapped in their blankets, snored 
loudly, and Bennett was soon assured of their being in a deep sleep. Watching 
his opportunity, he thrust the savage through with the spear, who fell across the 
burning logs with a groan. In an instant Hammond and young Bennett were cut 
loose, and the other Indians attacked. Five were killed, and the other got away 



16 APPENDIX. 

wonnded, a spear sticking in his back. The victors came in, bringing with them 
the Indians' scalps and their arms as trophies." 

"Upon my word! tlrere was trial, suffering and courage. But none of Mrs. 
Myers' family, it seems, were in the battle?" 

"Oyes — not her father, but her brother Solomon was in the thickest of the 
engagement, and had the good fortune to escape. The Bennett family stands 
forth conspicuously among the patriots of that day, who fought and suffered for the 
glorious cause of liberty." 

" Blissful rest to those who have departed ! Prosperity and happiness to the 
living !"* 

* Mrs. Bennett has been, and yet is one of the clearest chroniclers of early scenes. 
Though the light 

" Revisits not those orbs, that roll in vain 
To find its piercing ray," 
the mental eye retains all its early power and lustre. Though now (1845) S3 years of 
age, it is a pleasure to sit by her side and hear 

" Of most disastrous chances — hair breadth 'scapes," 
witnessed in her eventful youth. A beautiful situation on the lefl, half a mile above Col. 
Dorrance's, is the property and residence of that brother's son who was taken with her 
father. All around the house there is a display of neatness and taste, delightful to behold. 
John Bennett, Esq., besides being one of the very best farmers in the valley, during the 
location of our canal, proved himself an able engineer, combining with accurate mathematical 
knowledge, that soundness of judgment which no teaching could impart. It has been stated 
that one of the sons of Mrs. Myers was high sheriiFof the county; another was for a number 
of years an approved magistrate; and a daughter is married to the Rev. Dr. Peck, the able 
editorof the Methodist Episcopal Review, published in New York, and a polished gentleman, 
as well as a most eloquent preacher. It is pleasant to trace up the fortunes of deeply suffer- 
ing families from the gloom of the olden time to the brightness which now gilds their path. 



NO. VIII. 

THE SHOEMAKER FAMILY. 

" Stop ! Draw the reins, boy. Stay your horses ! Let us tarry a moment be- 
fore this beautiful mansion. A double house, set in from the avenue far enough 
to allow a spacious yard, lofty shade trees, fruits, flowers and shrubbery in ex- 
uberant profusion, yet nothing crowded ! See that Peacock spreading his golden 
honours as he moves upon the velvet lawn. Upon my word, this would be 
thought handsome in New Haven itself!" — " Yes, and possibly the pattern may 
have been taken from that fine city, for the owner was educated at Yale !" " And 
is he a descendant from an old Wyoming patriot?" •' Ay, by both sides of the 
house. The Hon. Charles Denison Shoemaker is the son of the late Elijah Shoe- 
maker, formerly sheriff of Luzerne, who, it will be recollected, was the son of 
Lieut. Benjamin Shoemaker, so treacherously slain by Windecker, on the day of 
the massacre. Benjamin had married the daughter of the good old Cameronian 
Scotchman, frequently spoken of in our preceding pages. That the alliance 
is cherished as it should be is shown by " M'Dowal" being given as a middle 
name by Sheriff Shoemaker to one of his sons. Elijah Shoemaker had married a 
daughter of Col. Nathan Denison, whose name is itself an eulogy, and synony- 
mous with every manly virtue." 

" In respect to the two grandfathers our annals are so full as to leave no details 
necessary here, further than to say, that their plantation was the original allot- 
ment of Mr. Shoemaker when, as one of the Forty, he came in on the first settle- 
ment of Wyoming. Elijah, the father, added to it several lots. — Between the 
avenue and the mountain, he held a mile square, bounded on the four sides by 
roads, and subject, when the crops became inviting, to the depredations of cattle. 
During those summer months, just at dawning of day you might see him mounted, 
two strong and favourite dogs his companions^ starting for a four mile ride round 



APPENDIX. if 

thai favourite portion of his place. The early and stirring activity of the master kept 
alive a similar spirit in all around him, and it required the abundant product of 
his large plantation to support his numerous family and meet the demands which 
his hospitality and too greatly obliging disposition made upon him. Every one 
who wanted a favour was sure of an obliging answer, and almost certain of aid 
from his purse, his granary, or his name. 

'' After finishing his studies and graduating at New-Haven, C. D. Shoemaker 
returned, and was soon after appointed prothonotary of Luzeme, subsequently 
judge of the county, which he held for several years. Among the active busi- 
ness men of the county, he has several brothers, all in prosperous circumstances. 

" Pleasing as are the speculations and beautiful the review, we must not linger 
too long, but hasten on to other inviting scenes." 



NO. IX. 
JUDGE DENISON. 

" More gently here : we approach the hallowed spot where the aged and the 
young men of Wyoming, gathering around their wives, their mothers, and their 
little ones, to shield them from the fury of the ruthless savages — ^to protect their 
hearths and their altars from violation — presented, in array of arms, their own 
breasts to the foe. Many were old and feeble ; many were young and tender; 
few had been accustomed to war, and all were undisciplined." 

" Why then did they go out?" 

''What could they do? The effective men of Wyoming were away with 
Washington's army. Already had the enemy made a lodgment in the upper 
part of the valley; and unless defeated and driven back, the whole settlement 
would become a scene of murder and conflagration from their scattered bands. 
To bring all together into forts was impracticable, and, dispersed as they were, 
where were they to obtain provisions?" 

''I see how it was — they must fight and conquer, or be slaughtered, without 
the honour of a manly resistance." 

"As brave men were wont to do, they took counsel of their courage, and 
marched out to meet danger in the very teeth. It is not my purpose now to describe 
the battle ; but look to the left. Do you observe that ancient looking red house, 
standing in a dozen rods from the road, surrounded by those venerable trees ? 
That was the residence of Col. Nathan Denison, who commanded the left wing 
of the American troops. Though unfortunate, his conduct on that day was that 
of a faithful and brave officer. Outflanked and overpowered by a vast superi- 
ority of numbers, the change of position, wisely ordered, became a retreat — the 
retreat a rout — the battle — a massacre." 

'' I tremble — my heart sinks within me, and a cold shivering comes over my 
frame, when I hear of that bloody affair. But pray tell me, is it true that Col. 
Denison took command of the fort? Is it true that when called on to surrender 
and he asked, ' What terms V they answered — ' The Hatchet,' and neverthe- 
less, without further attempt at defence, he gave up the fort to certain destruction, 
and almost every soul was murdered before his eyes?" 

" No — it is not true." 

'' Such is the statement of Ramsay, Gordon, Botta, Marshall, and I think the 
London Gentleman's Magazine for 1778." " All false — all different versions of 
the same story, but agreeing in the grossest errors." 

" He did not then surrender his command to the cruelty of the enemy, who 
threatened them with the hatchet, and that without effort to protect them ?" 

" No — no. All these statements do great injustice to Col. Denison ; and it is 
strange, in his lifetime, he did not take means to remove this impression from 
his fair fame. No. His conduct in the very trying hour, when the fort was sur- 
rounded by an exulting and victorious enemy, was that of a wise, firm, and pa- 
B 



18 APPENDIX. 

triotic officer. I love to take every occasion to rescue his name from those Eia- 
persions. Knowing his worth and venerating his memory, I take pleasure to 
vindicate his character and to speak his just praise. Coh Denison surrendered 
on terms of capitulation, considering the circumstances in which he was placed, 
honourable to his character as an officer; above all, shielding and protecting the 
women and children — all w-ho were in the fort, from violence.*" Perhaps higher 
powers — a more consummate prudence — equal boldness and self-possession, are 
necessary to save the remnants of a people so situated, than to lead successfully 
in battle. Marshall, in his late edition, has corrected the error, and given a more 
correct account of the transaction. The universal respect and confidence that at- 
tended Col. Denison, from the battle to the time of his death, attest the high esti- 
mation in which his character was held among the inhabitants of Wyoming, who 
were witnesses of, and affected by, his conduct. 

" When the jurisdiction of Connecticut ceased, and the laws of Pennsylvania be- 
came supreme in Wyoming, Col. Denison was appointed from policy, as being 
a favourite of the people, in whom they had entire confidence, one of the associ- 
ate judges of the court. Four were commissioned: Denison and Gore — selected 
as being partial to the Yankee interest; Fell and Hollenback — one a Pennsylva- 
nia Quaker, the other a Virginian — were preferred as having the confidence, in a 
peculiar degree, of the other party. A man of good sense and stern integrity — the 
selection was made with great wisdom and propriety." 

'■'■ Do you remember Wyoming so long ago as to be able to recall the court to 
recollection, when all four of the judges were on the bench?" 

"0, yes — perfectly: I see them now. Courts were held in the chamber of 
what was the old academy, the jail being below. Behold Sheriff Colt with his 
white staff in advance — see that short, fat, somewhat aged, but active man, with 
a smart cocked hat, coming up. — Look again : they are arranged on the bench. 
The President of the Court, Judge Rush, in the centre; on his right Judges Deni- 
son and Gore — on his left. Judges Hollenback and Fell. Dignity and decorum 
mark their appearance and proceedings, so far as it was possible to restrain the 
impetuosity, the wit, or mischief of a numerous bar of highly talented, but some- 
what ungovernable lawyers. Judge Denison, though cheerful in the social circle, 
never laughed and seldom smiled. His looks were grave, but pleasing — not 
sad, but extremely sedate. Such was the character of all his deportment. His 

iudgment was sound, as his heart was pure; but there was nothing showy about 
lim — no attempt at effect — but all reposed in him, because his integrity w' as un- 
doubted, while his good sense and intelligence inspired unlimited confidence. 

"The president judge with a slight cast in his eye, that gave a peculiar but not 
Bupleasant expression to his countenance, had a look full of intelligence, quick- 
. mess and sagacity: — 'Are you ready, gentlemen, on the part of the defendant?' 
How clear his voice, how distinct his enunciation ! To the grand jury his charges 
were models of purity of style, soundness of sentiment, and impressiveness of 
delivery. But look at the bar — there is Lawyer Dick, a thick, stout set gentleman 
of five and thirty. Wit, humour, sarcasm, playing about his round face. He 
comes out in thunder — he sets the court in a roar of laughter, and having throwTi 
them off their guard, by a few powertul but pertinent remarks, drives his cause 
home, and wins it, if possible to be won. — That tall, delicate looking gentleman, 
so neatly, I might say, elegantly dressed, is Dan Smith, of Northumberland. See! 
he turns pale and actually trembles as he rises to speak : you are interested by 
such exceeding modesty, and half fear he will not be able to go on. Fear nothing. 
What grace — how sweetly his voice breaks on the ear — what words of persuasive 
wisdom begin to flow — and now, pour along in a rapid torrent. Ah ! that is elo- 
quence. Just such a man, were I a girl of twenty, methinks, I should fall in love 
■with — were he ten or fifteen years younger. — Observe that heavy stout gentleman, 
with large head and florid complexion : Slop — he is about to speak. How rapid 

* After the surrender, there was but one life lost in the fort. It is important that this 
matter be rightly comprehended. Teh execution of Boyd was the only instance of life 
being taken, after the capitulation, until Col. John Butler left Wyoming with his army. 
Then began scenes of murder and conflagration, by bands of marauding Indians, whom 
he averred he could not control. 



APPENDIX. 19 

his delivery — the words crowd so, one upon the other, they sometimes choke 
utterance : then the stream flows again. He talks good sense. Why shouldn't he 1 
His head has more law in it than half a modern library." 

"Who is he?" 

" It is Evan Rice Evans, a powerful advocate with a good fee and an intricate 
cause. This very handsome man on the left is Charles Hall, of Sunbury. His 
dress is rich — how neatly his ruffle is plaited ! Slow, distinct, and very pleasant 
in speaking, he prepares with care, and argues his cause with excellent skill. 
But here is the distinguished Thomas Cooper going to speak in a criminal cause. 
Short, round, stooping forward — his head nodding as if too full of matter to hold 
still — a florid and right English countenance and complexion." 

" Will he speak long ?" 

" Not he. His forte is to seize two or three strong points and present them for- 
cibly to the court and jury. He never wearies by long speeches : never uses a 
word, an illustration, or an argument that is not to the purpose. A man of extra- 
ordinary endowments — of most distinguished genius: But there rises an answerer 
to Mr. Cooper. Observe that tall — raw, I had almost said — and awkward man; 
how he scratches his head — depend on it there is something in it. How high he 
pitches his voice : how loud he speaks : how plain, unselected, almost coarse in 
his language. Yet is there matter in him." 

" But who is he ?" 

'^That is John Ross, of Easton. He has not a particle of grace, but he is in- 
defatigable : his dress, though good, is awkwardly put on ; what does he care? the 
law is his study — the practice his delight. He mingles freely with all classes, 
high and low, and has a thorough knowledge of human nature. Hence he is a 
most successful jury lawyer: and not only remarkable, but renowned, in all the 
courts he practices in, for his technical accuracy in drawing indictments, and his 
almost irresistible ingenuity in pulling them to pieces, when drawn by another." 

" You amuse me with these sketches of the old bar. Can't you give us a por- 
trait of Sitgreaves, Dan Levy, Duncan, Charles flouston, Bowman, Wells, Grif- 
fin, Dyer, Catlin and Palmer?" 

'• Stop — stop — you are cutting out too much work for one afternoon." '-Yes, I 
could give you a characteristic trait or two of each ; but not now. Besides, it was 
not my purpose to speak, at present, of any of the Luzerne lawyers. Of all these, 
as time, opportunity, and humour shall prompt. Soon after the establishment of 
peace, Judge Denison returned to Stonington, Connecticut, and with filial piety 
brought out his aged father to reside with him. The old gentleman survived until 
1803, and then was gathered to his native earth, aged 88 years. 

" Col. Denison departed this life January 25th, 1809, aged 68 years. 

" His piety was ardent. The sweet influences of religious faith and hope chast- 
ened and elevated to saint-like purity his naturally amiable disposition. One of 
his sons, now no more, was several years a representative from Luzerne in the 
Assembly, and afterwards in Congress, in both of which stations he served with 
distinguished ability. It is conceded that to Mr. George Denison, with Judge Scott 
and Judge Mallery, we owe, in a great degree, all that is beneficial in our sys- 
tem of internal improvement, especially as regards northern Pennsylvania: — 
But yonder is the monument." 



NO. X. 

LUKE SWEETLAND, 

Strangers who visit Wyoming, besideshavingin view avisittothe monumentj 
the battle ground and bloody rock, should cross the bridge and pass up through 
Kingston for the pleasure of the ride. The road, or rather noble avenue, for five 
mileS; is an hundred feet wide, showing that the minds of the early settlers were 



20 APPENDIX. 

graduated on no narrow scale. The Kingston gentlemen (thanks probably to 
their ladies), have displayed a much greater degree of taste in their buildings, the 
improvement of their grounds, and in ornamental shrubbery around their dwell- 
ings, than their neighbours. A companion, quick to hear, intelligent to relate, 
and with sufficient tact not to annoy by talking too much, would add to the plea- 
sure of the jaunt. From among fifty elegant country seats, one on the left, half a 
mile after passing Col. Denison's, would immediately attract admiration and 
elicit praise. It is the residence of William Sweetland, Esq. For many years 
an enterprising merchant, wealth has flowed into his coffers as if they were its 
natural deposit. Besides the embellishment around his mansion, his having 
brought in pipes from the mountain more than a mile, water from a spring, that 
he might have a cool and gushing stream at his door, shows that he has the right 
spirit to render home an agreeable place. His mills within the ravine of the moun- 
tain, and several farms with white cottages further up upon the hills, tell at once 
of taste, enterprise, and true economy. 

Mr. Sweetland was one of the delegates to form the present constitution ; and, 
if inclination had led him, might have entered into public life in any station he 
should have chosen. 

This is another pleasant instance of prosperity, among descendants from early 
Wyoming settlers who were doomed to dreadful suffering. 

Luke Sweetland, the grandfather, bore arms in defence of Wyoming, although 
it is not certainly known whether he was in the battle. Immediately after the 
expulsion, he, with twenty-five or thirty others of the inhabitants, united together 
and joined (not enlisted) the company of Capt. Spalding. The fact is shown by 
the receipt they gave to Col. Butler for continental arms, issued to them at Port 
Penn. Their aid thus strengthening Spalding's company enabled him earlier to 
march to Wilkesbarre and arrest the depredations of the Indians. Mr. Sweetland 
was taken prisoner with Joseph Blanchard, near Nanticoke, where they had gone 
to mill, (this was August 24, 1778,) and were carried by the savages to their 
country, near Geneva Lake. Besides the constant dread of torture, his sufferings 
from cold and want of food during the winter were intense. A man of ardent 
piety, the confidence and hope imparted by religion sustained him. To trace his 
weary days of captivity would be but a repetition of ever-recurring sorrows. 
After having failed in several attempts to escape, he was at length rescued by our 
army under Gen. Sullivan. Returning to his native Connecticut, he had a nar- 
rative of his captivity and sufferings printed at Hartford, which is in the possession 
of the writer. In later days I knew, and knowing, could not but esteem the good 
old man. His taste and pride took a right direction, and were of much value to the 
settlement: I refer to his establishment of a nursery for fruit, and his introduction 
from New England of various kinds of apples, selected with care. It is long since 
he was withdrawn from life. The contrast between the sufferings of the grandsire 
and the prosperity of his descendant, leads to agreeable reflections. I cannot close 
this very brief notice, without a passing tribute to the memory of William Sweet- 
land and Belding Sweetland, sons of the old gentleman, who in early life were 
the attached, the respected friends of the writer. Though in a position remarkable 
for general health they were both taken away in the midday of activity and useful- 
ness- Peace to those who have departed j prosperity and honour to the living ! 



NO. XL 

CAPT. M'KERACHAN. 

Capt. William M'Kerachan was the first officer of the Hanover company. 
Evincing at once a spirit of singular modesty and patriotism, he said to Capt. 
Stewart, on the morning of the battle : '' My pursuits in life have thus far been those 
of peace ; you have been used to war and accustomed to command. On parade 
I can manceuvre my men ; but in the field no unnecessary hazard should be run; 



APPENDIX. , 21 

a mistake might prove fatal. Take you the lead, I will fight under you, with my 
men, as an aid, or a private in the ranks. Your presence at the head of the 
Hanover boys will impart confidence." So it was arranged, and they fell together. 

Mr. M'Kerachan was a native of Ireland. Not classically, but well educated, 
he left Belfast, county Antrim, in the summer of 1764, then a young man, to seek 
his fortune in America. Landing in Philadelphia, he passed into Chester county, 
and taught school in Nantmel, for a season; from thence he went to Bucks county. 
There, and in New Jersey, he spent a year or two, occupied in the honourable 
profession of a schoolmaster. As early as 1774, the romance of the Wyoming 
contest attracted and pleased his ardent imagination, and he became a settler at 
Nanficoke, Hanover township. After instructing children abrief period, scenes of 
wider scope and more commanding interest engaged his attention. Having ac- 
cumulated by industry and economy sufficent funds, he set up a store, and purchased 
lands. Among his papers recently found, are a number of deeds for valuable 
tracts, showing that he had become a very respectable landed proprietor. In his 
memorandum book are several passages, indicative of his studies, knowledge and 
character. Mathematical problems, some of them belonging to navigation, show 
that that branch of science was familiar to him. An entry, made June 24, 1768, 
would indicate that serious subjects occupied his thoughts, and that he was of the 
Presbyterian persuasion. "The Saturday before the sacrament, Mr. Foster had 
his text in Matthew the 12th chapter 42d verse. The sacrament morning Mf. 
Carmichael had his text in the 12th chapter and 3d verse of Isaiah. 

"The evening sermon by Mr. Foster. — ^Text, 6th chapter and 11th verse of the 
Ephesians." 

That he was not only esteemed in his immediate neighbourhood, but by the 
community at large, is shown by his commission from the authorities in Connec- 
ticut, as a magistrate in Westmoreland, and one of the judges of the court. 

Several stanzas of poetry are in his hand-writing. Whether original or copied, 
it is impossible for us to determine. If his own, they show talent ; if selected, they 
certainly display taste, though they may sound old fashioned : 

To 

" Now let my cares all buried lie. 
My griefs be ever dumb ; 
Your sorrows swell my heart so high 
They leave my own no room." 

Were we sure the poetry was his own, we would copy the preceding four verses, 
which have some pretty lines of thought. But though desiring to give as perfect 
a picture as possible of Wyoming and its distinguished men, we must not swell 
our volume too much by extraneous matter, however interesting. He was tall, 
had a fine person — an alert step — a cheerful disposition, and a countenance pleas- 
ingly expressive. 

He fell, as the reader is apprized, on the 3d of July, 1778, in the Indian battle. 
Farewell to the brave, the generous, the true-hearted Irishman. Gentle sleep and 
a happy resurrection to his manly spirit, who, in the midst of gathering honours 
and accumulating prosperity, in the very prime of manhood, laid down his life for 
Wyoming ! 



NO. XII. 

MR. SAMUEL CAREY. 

While our minds are on the opposite side of the river, at Jacohh Plains, as the 
upper part of Wilkesbarre is termed, sketching a brief outline of the Abbott's — 
the Searle's — and the Williams', who reside there, methinks I may as well fulfil 
a promise previously made, and give you some account of the family of Carey, 
their neighbours; a name which stands conspicuous on the list of those patriots 
who served and suffered at Wyoming, in the cause of libert)"- and their country. 



22 APPENDIX. 

Mr. Samuel Carey is now 79 years old; of course he was 19 in 1778, the year 
of the battle. Active, ardent and patriotic, he was enrolled in Captain Bidlack's 
company — was out on several scouting parties before the invasion — was up at 
Wyalusing, and with our men at Exeter, aiding to bring away the remains of 
the Hardings and others, murdered by the Indians a day or two before the batde. 
On the fatal third he was at his post, and marched with the brave Bidlack to the 
contest. Their position was near the right. The left wing was earliest pressed 
and retreated, being thrown into entire confusion before the centre or right gave 
way; but retreat had become inevitable. Mr. C. left the road and passed down 
on the low flats near where the monument is now being erected; Zipperah Hib- 
berd was nearest to him. Hibberd was in the prime of early manhood, six feet 
high, built at once for strength and activity ; he was straight as an arrow, and 
moved with a light elastic step. Of him it is told by several of the old settlers, 
that in their athletic sports Hibberd would take off his hat and shoes — let two 
companions hold a string extended so that, in walking under it, he could just 
touch it with his head : he would then step off a few paces till he got his proper 
distance, return on the spring, and leap over the string with the alertness of the 
bounding deer. His activity, and manly and social qualities, rendered him a 
general favourite. Mr. Hibberd was but recently married. Preparations for the 
engagement had been made the day previous. Fear was a stranger to his breast; 
but he was sensible and sagacious, and he saw from the unprepared state of our 
people, enfeebled by the two companies, raised for our special defence, being 
marched and kept away, and from the evidence of great force on the part of the 
enemy, that the chances were all against us. Perhaps, and it is thought there was 
a particular presentiment, that go the battle as it would, he should not survive. 
But listening to nothing but the dictates of patriotism and duty, he fitted himself 
for the field — went to the door — looked abroad to the bright heavens and the 
beautiful earth, then clothed in the rich robe of approaching harvest — gazed a 
moment — rested his gun against the door-post — hastened into the house and im- 
pressed one parting kiss on the pale lips of his trembling bride — spoke not a 
word, but tore himself away; and the next hour there was not a soldier that 
marched to the field with more cheerful alacrity. He went to return no more. 

Hibberd and Carey ran together towards the river, Hibberd in advance, break- 
ing a path through a heavy piece of rye. The obstruction, perhaps, proved fatal 
to him ; for by the time they got through he was nearly exhausted, and showed 
signs of great faligae. On coming near the river bank and leaving the rye field, 
Mr. Hibberd sprang to the sandbar, but was closely pursued by an Indian, who 
overtook him before he could gain the stream. As Hibberd turned to defend 
himself he received the accursed spear in his breast, and fell lifeless on the sand. 

Mr. Carey got to the river lower down, and succeeded in swimming across, 
but the savages had crossed over before him, and he was instantly surrounded by 
several. One who seemed to have authority took charge of him, but a small 
Indian, pitted with the small-pox, and having lost an eye, (as he stood naked, 
for Mr. C. had stripped off all his clothes that he might swim,) with a malicious 
smile, drew a knife up and down his breast and abdomen, about an inch from 
tire skin, saying the while, ''Te-te — te-te." They then made him swim back, 
bound his hands, and he was conducted to Wintermoot's. The fort had been set 
on fire by the enemy at the commencement of the engagement, and Mr. C. saw 
the remains of one or two of our people, who had been thrown on the burning 
pile, but they were then lifeless. That night he lay on the ground, bound, and 
without food. The next morning an officer struck him on the mouth with his 
open hand. " You are the fellow," said he, " that threatened yesterday morn- 
ing you would comb my hair, are you?" He then learned that the Indian who 
had taken him was Capt. Roland Montour, who now gave him food, unbound, 
and led him to a young savage who was mortally wounded. What passed he 
could not then perfectly comprehend, but afterwards learned the purpose was to 
show him to the dying Indian, and ask if his life should be preserved and he be 
taken to the Indian's parents to be adopted instead of their lost son. He assented, 
and young Carey's life was saved. They then painted him, and gave him the 
name of the dying Indian — Coconeunquo — of the tribe of Onondagoes. 



APPENDIX. ^.*» 23 

When the enemy marched from the valley, Mr. Carey, carefully guarded, was 
taken with them, and when they reached the Indian country, was handed over to 
the family into which he had been adopted, where, if he would have conformed 
to savage customs, and have drunk so deep of the waters of forgetfulness as to 
cease to remember country, connection and friends, he might have remained 
peaceable, if not happy ; but beloved Wyoming, doubly dear from her sorrows, 
would rise to his slumbers, as it was ever present to his waking hours, and he 
sighed for liberty and home. He thinks the old Indian and squaw — his savage 
parents — saw that he could not mingle in spirit with them ; for they used con- 
stantly to mourn for their lost boy. Just at day-breaking they would set up a 
pitiful cry — oh ! oh ! ho ! — and at evening, as the sun was going down — oh ! oh t 
ho ! — and with all their stoicism their sorrows would not cease. At times, while 
here, he suffered much from hunger, having only a spoonful of parched corn a 
day for several weeks. He thought he should have famished: and in the severe 
winters, his sufferings from cold were extreme; but he shared like the rest of the 
family, and they evidently meant, after once adopting, to treat him kindly. 

More than two weary years were passed in this way, when he got to Niagara, 
where he was detained, though with less suffering, until restored to liberty by 
the glorious news of peace and independence. It was on the 29th of June, 1784^ 
before the charming valley again met his sight, after having suffered six years of 
distressing captivity. 

Mr. Carey mentions the fact, stated by others, that Walter Butler, a favourite 
son of Col. John Butler, was killed by the Americans, near Mud Creek, on re- 
turning from one of his excursions against our settlements on the Mohawk. He 
adds — what before I did not remember to have heard — that one of the Winter- 
moots was killed at the same time. Butler was shot by a rifle ball through the 
head, aimed at him from an extraordinary distance. 

There was a Joseph Carey and Samuel Carey both killed in the battle, but it 
does not occur to my recollection whether they were relatives of the Mr. Samuel 
Carey of whom I now speak. His brother, Nathan Carey, was in the engage- 
ment, and fortunately escaped. Their father's name was Eleazer Carey, a name 
held by one of his descendants, still known and highly respected in the valley. 

Though at the advanced age of 79, Mr. Carey enjoys tolerable health; his mind 
active and his memory sound. Though not rich, he is yet, by the industry and 
frugality of a long life, comfortable in his declining days, and has the happiness 
of having sons and daughters settled around him, all well to live, and all respect- 
able — and some in very independent circumstances. His wife, Theresa, was the 
daughter of Captain Daniel Gore, of whom I have spoken ; so that if the morn- 
ing of life was clouded with sorrow and woe, his evening is calm and serene.* 

" But did you not say there was a Mr. John Carey, a brave and faithful 

soldier in the revolutionary war?" 

I did : the brother of him of whom I have been speaking. An old and re- 
spected friend, I will give you an account of him at the earliest possible moment. 
— Do not hurry me. I must not mingle things too much together. In due time 
you shall hear all ; but have patience. I have a great deal to tell. There never 
was a people who did more, or suffered more — or ever received so little remune- 
ration. It was high time that the wrongs and sufferings of Wyoming should be 
fully stated, and her neglected and traduced character be vindicated. While I 
can speak, or hold a pen, she shall not need a tongue or hand to defend her. 

* Mr. Samuel Carey died in 1842, and was buried with military honours. 



NO. XIII. 

COLONEL RANSOM. 

George Palmer Ransom was a working bee from the beginning. Though scarce- 
ly 14, he enlisted in his father's company and marched, on the 1st of January^ 



24 APPENDIX. 

1777 — the dead of winter — to join Washington's army. Ransom's company con- 
sisted of 82 men, and Durkee's was equal, both being full. In September follow- 
ing, the company had 62 ; but Ga5'-lord, father of C. E. Gaylord; two Sawyers, bro- 
thers of the former sheriif Slocum, had died, as had Spencer. — Underwood had a 
rupture and was discharged. Porter was killed at Millstone — Colton, Worden, 
Austin, and James Smith had returned or were on furlough. These particulars 
are adverted to for the purpose of showing beyond doubt, that the two companies 
of Durkee and Ransom were large — having more than 80 in each. They went 
by Stroudsburgh and reached Morristown early in the evening. 

Thence they marched to Millstone — they were attached to no regiment or 
Brigade — but were called the Independent Companies and acted as a distinct 
corps — in the most active and dangerous position, between the lines of the two 
armies. The enemy was at Brunswick — our men at Millstone, within little 
more than an hour's march. As might have been expected, they were imme- 
diately engaged. The enemy came out in considerable force to forage, and had 
three or four pieces of cannon. General Philemon Dickerson (brother of John 
Dickerson, author of the Farmer's Letters), commanded a detachment of New 
Jersey militia, who, with the two independent companies, attacked the British. 
A sharp engagement ensued — the enemy were routed; forty -seven wagons and 
one hundred and thirty horses were taken. In this engagement Justice Porter 
was cut in two by a cannon ball, and fell dead close by the side of Seij. Thomas 
Williams. Porter is spoken of by all who knew him, as a remarkably fine 
fellow. Pleasant of countenance, well formed, extremely active and withal buoy- 
ant and gay — a m.ost cheerful companion as well as an excellent soldier. One 
of the wagons, a trophy of victory, was brought to Wyoming by Capt. Ransom, 
:but with almost everything else was consumed by the fire of the savages. The 
value of the property taken must have been considerable, as each soldier shared 
four dollars of the proceeds. Two of the militia were killed and a number of the 
British^ Jt-was a gallant affair ; the two companies were commanded by Durkee 
as the eldest captain. In spring they were ordered to Boundbrook, and placed with 
other portions of the army under Gen. Lincoln. Just at day, the morning after 
their arrival, the enemy came upon them by surprise, on three sides. Lincoln's 
horse was saddled — he mounted — ordered a retreat to a hill about a mile distant. 
Little execution was done by the fire of the enemy, although they were quite 
near, and hallooed, " Run, you damn'd rebels, run." If our men knew when to 
run away, they also knew when to fight — as the regulars well knew, and kept at 
a respectful distance when we had taken up a suitable position. The summer was 
sickly ; the two companies suffered from the camp distemper. Those also were 
inoculated for the small-pox who had not previously gone through the disease. 
The companies were in constant service during the ensuing eventful and severe 
cam paigt^T— wherever there was danger to be met or honour to be won. 

The f^ jiye in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. At the bombard- 
ment of^^^iid Fort, the companies being stationed at Woodbury, detachments 
were drafted for duty on the works and sustained the hottest of the enemy's fire. 
Constant Matthewson, belonging to Ransom's, being with a detachment under 
the command of Lieut. Spalding, was killed in the fort. 

Now the companies were attached to the 1st Connecticut regiment — Lieut. Col. 
Russell. As, when they first marched, they were kept as a distinct corps, there 
is reason to believe it was intended to keep them from Wyoming (where, by the 
resolution of Congress for raising them, they were to be stationed), no longer than 
the pressing emergency, under which they were called away, demanded ; but the 
pressure of circumstances, superior to all law or contract, compelled the govern- 
ment to keep them below, leaving Wyoming wholly defenceless. They wintered 
at Valley Forge. 

Rumours now of the meditated attack of the savages upon Wyoming came down. 
The officers respectfully but firmly urged on their superiors that the enemy were 
preparing to strike Wyoming — that there was no force there to defend it — that 
these companies were raised under a solemn pledge that they should be stationed 
there for the defence of the inhabitants; and asking to be marched back. But 
they could not be spared. Some resigned and returned, and the two companies 



APPENDIX. 25 

were consolidated into one under the command of Capt. Simon Spalding; and 
orders given to hasten to the relief of the settlement. Young Ransom Avas with 
Capt. Spalding. They marched first to Lancaster — then to Reading, Bethlehem, 
Nazareth, the Wind-Gap, to Shoup's, four miles from Merwine's, where they were 
on the 3d of July — the day of the battle. What countless woes might have been 
averted had they not been ordered away, or permitted sooner to return ! The first 
order was to march in, and take possession of Wilkesbarre fort, as a rallying 
point; and they advanced to the creek where the gate, this side of Pocono, stands. 
Meeting the flying inhabitants, who told them, with their force they would do no 
good, Capt. Spalding sent scouts to see, who returned with news that the whole 
valley was in possession of the savages. They returned to Stroudsburgh — gave 
all the assistance in their power to the suffering fugitives, waited for reinforce- 
ments, and under the command of Col. Butler, marched in, early in August, to 
Wyoming. 

The battle-ground presented a melancholy spectacle. Most of the bodies were 
so much decayed they could not be recognized. Mr. Ransom's father was wounded 
in the thigh, taken prisoner, and carried into Wintermoot's fort, and his head cut 
off. There was the most tiger-like ferocity exhibited against all who had been 
into the service from Wyoming, especially the officers. Every species of torture 
was practised upon them. Such was the state of the bodies that it was impossible 
then to gather and bury them. In the ring near Perkins' tavern, at Bloody Rock, 
where the prisoners were murdered, Mr. Ransom counted 27 bodies. 

In 1779, when Gen. Sullivan invaded the Indian country, Capt. Spalding's com- 
pany accompanied him, and Mr. Ransom was at his post. He was in the battle 
of Newtown, and gives a very interesting account of that memorable invasion. 
The case of Lieut. Boyd is one of thrilling interest, but our space does not allow 
of its detail here. We shall recur to that and other incidents hereafter. 

In December, 1780, Mr. Ransom was taken prisoner by a party of Butler's 
Rangers and Indians. Old Mr. Harvey was taken at the same time, with Bullock, 
Frisby, Cady, and Elisha Harvey, son of the old gentleman. 

They were taken to Niagara. On their way they suffered much from cold and 
hunger; but at Tioga-point they killed a horse, and then fared sumptuously. Next 
summer the old men were released, young Harvey, Frisby, and Ransom kept 
prisoners, and sent to Montreal during the summer. In the fall they were re- 
omved to Prisoner's Island, where there were 167 American captives. 

A sketch, not a biography — an outline is all that my limits permit; but there is 
one incident, so characteristic of American spirit, and so honourable to the firm- 
ness and patriotism of our soldiers, that I beg leave to relate it somewhat at length. 
''In February, 1781," — I take Mr. Ransom's own words — "I was in Canada, 45 
miles up the St. Lawrence river from Montreal, on an island with about 166 Ame- 
rican prisoners. We were guarded by the refugees, or what was called tories, 
that belonged to Sir John Johnson's 2d regiment. The commanding officer of 
the guard, on the island, was a young Scotch officer, by the name of MacCalpin,^ 
about 18 years of age. The winter was very severe, and a great snow storm cam6""- 
and drifted before the door of the guard, who sent for some of the American pri- 
soners to shovel it away. They refused, saying they were prisoners of war, and 
he had no right to set them to work for his pleasure. Enraged at this, the officer 
ordered them into irons, and directed others to take the shovels and go to work; 
these also refused, and were ironed. So he went on commanding and meeting 
with resolute disolsedience to what they considered a tyrannical order. They had 
taken up arms and periled their lives to resist British tyranny, and would not 
now, though prisoners, submit to it. Some were ironed two together- — some to a 
bar four together ; thus he kept putting into irons as long as he had hand cuffs left. 
Among the last who refused, were myself and one Wm. Palmeters. We were 
then put into an open house, without door, floor, or windows, and directions given 
that we should have neither victuals, brandy, nor tobacco; but our faithful friends 
contrived to evade the guard, and we were furnished with all. There we re- 
mained all night, suffering extremely from the cold. The next morning MacCalpin 
came, thinking our spirits were broken, and demanded if we would not shovel 
snow. One word all answered—' Not by order of a d— d Tory.' He then took 



26 APPENDIX. 

us out of that place, and put us in a hut just finished, with a good floor, and we 
sent for a black man, a good fiddler, for we had two on the island. We then 
opened our ball, dancing to keep ourselves warm, jigs, hornpipes, four and 
six handed reels. Where four were ironed to one bar, they could dance the 
cross-handed, or what we called the York reel. We conthiued in this merry 
mood until our Scotch gentleman found the place was too good for us. He then 
took us out and put us into a loft of one of the huts, which stood so low that a man 
could stand up only under the centre of the ridge. Here we were kept in extreme 
suffering two days and nights. In the mean time MaeCalpin sent for Charles 
Grandison, our fiddler, and ordered him to play for his pleasure. The black 
went, but firmly declared he would not play while his fellow-prisoners were in 
irons. The officer then ordered a sort of court martial, composed of tories, who 
of course brought in the poor negro guilty. The sentence of the court was that he 
should be stripped — tied up, and receive ten lashes on his naked back — which 
was done. Smarting with the lash, the officer then demanded if he would fiddle 
as he was ordered. ' No, not while my fellow-prisoners are in irons.' Again 
he was tied up, and ten lashes laid on, but his firmness was not to be shaken, 
and the officer sent him to his hut. 

" Bat T left my story to tell about the fiddler. MaeCalpin then sent a party of 
soldiers to bring up some of the prisoners, several of whom were flogged severe- 
ly; and one, against whom the tories had aparticular spile, wasfiedneck andheels, 
a rope put round his neck, and he was thus drawn up to the chamber floor and 
kept until he was almost dead — let down, and then drawn up again. One John 
Albright, a young continental soldier, was flogged almost to death for being a 
kind-hearted man speaking his mind freely. But not one American was found 
to shovel snow. ''■ ' • \ • 

" We remained here till the 9th day of June, when myself and two others, James 
Butterfield and John Brown, made our escape from the Island and laid our course 
for Lake Champlain. The 11th at noon, we came to the lake, and three days 
after we got to a settlement at Hubbertston, Vermont — the next day to Castleton, 
to a fort — from that to Pultney, where I had an uncle living. My companions 
went on to Albany, and there proclaimed the cruelty of the Scotch officer; it was 
published in the papers — a flag was dispatched to remonstrate against such abuse 
of our men; and we had the pleasure to hear, not long after, that MaeCalpin was 
tried and broke — the prisoners being called as witnesses against him." 

After visiting his relations at Canaan, Litchfield county, Connecticut, of which 
he was a native, Mr. Ransom returned to Wyoming, and soon after joined his com- 
pany, attached to Col. Butler's regiment, stationed at West Point, where he re- 
mained till honourabl}' discharged, at the close of the war. 

From that time to this, Mr. Ransom has resided at Plymouth, upon the beauti- 
ful Shawnee flats, perhaps the richest portion of Wyoming. He has been called 
by the votes of his fellow-citizens to command the regiment, which his knowledge 
of military tactics well fitted him to manoeuvre and discipline. Having served his 
country during the dark hours of the revolutionary contest long and faithfully, un- 
ambitious of office, he has lived, and still lives respected and beloved. Hardships 
endured while in the service combined with age, have much affected his limbs, 
so that he helps himself along with two short staves or crutches. He could 
scarcely dance now, though his heart, I will answer for it, is as light, and his 
spirit as firm for liberty and his country, as in '81. 

He was strongly made, broad chested, and active in early life. He sprang 
quick and moved fast who got ahead of him then. His life and cheerfulness in 
the most gloomy hour diffiised itself in good humour and spirit, through the whole 
company. The death of his father — the losses and sacrifices in the Revolutionary 
contest, for the savages and tories spared nothing of theirs when they sAvept the 
valley by fire and sword — left him poo}- at the close of the war. and imposed the 
necessity of constant industry. Children and grandchildren, among the most re- 
spectable in the valley, are living and growing up around him, and may be proud 
to claim descent from such ancestors. Without being wealthy, he is yet comfort- 
able in his old age. No one takes a livelier pleasure in beholding the freedom 
and prosperity of his beloved country, the fruits of his father's and his own toils 



APPENDIX. 27 

and sufferings. Rare indeed is the case presented of a son's serving through the 
whole of the Revolutionary contest, and of his father serving several years and 
laying down his life in the same noble cause. Verily the services and the blood of 
the Ransoms have been a portion of that seed from which have sprung up the 
independence, freedom, and prosperity, which make happy our favoured land. 
Long may these blessings continue — long may the veteran soldier and patriot 
live to enjoy them. And may the young men of the present generation ta|fe 
pattern from these noble spirits, and resolve to give everything, even life itself, 
to defend the glorious cause of Liberty and Law.* 

* 1845. Col. Ransom is still in the enjoyment of very tolerable health, except his lame- 
ness, though his age is 82. A grandson, George Palmer Steele, has just closed his term of 
office as sheriff of Luzerne. Capt. Ransom, his father, was born in Canterbury. He and 
Capt. Durkee had both been in the old French war. Durkee, at the time of his death, was 
50, Capt. Ransom 41. Col. Durkee, an older brother, who is frequently spoken of, 1769, 
and afterwards as colonel of one of the Connecticut regiments, died at Norwich, more than 
40 years ago, and was buried with extraordinary display. 



NO. XIV. 
COL. JOHN JENKINS. 

" CoL. John Jenkins was a very prominent man for many years in Wyoming. 
He was the son of John Jenkins, Esq., a respectable magistrate, an accurate sur- 
veyor, and an ardent patriot. You have probably seen an account of a town 
meeting, legally warned, of the inhabitants of Westmoreland, at the beginning 
of the troubles with England, at which votes were passed, that make the blood 
thrill through the heart even now, declaring their decided hostility to the uncon- 
stitutional measures of the British Parliament— denouncing them as ruinous to 
American liberty, and pledging themselves to stand by the Continental Congress 
in the steps taken to vindicate the cause of freedom and their country.* John 
Jenkins, Esq., had the honour to preside as moderator of the meeting when those 
glorious resolutions were adopted." 

" I have heard of them, but have not seen them. It required good and stout 
hearts thus early to take so bold a stand. They were patriots, indeed: and for 
myself, I would rather have those patriotic votes to show, as the work of an an- 
cestor of mine, than the proudest patent of nobility ever granted by a king. His 
descendants ought to have them beautifully copied, framed, and hung up as a 
parlour ornament." 

" You are right — they should. It would show a just and patriotic pride. The 
old gentleman took an active part in the transactions of the times until the expul- 
sion of the inhabitants, in 1784, when he removed to Orange county, New York, 
and there died. 

"John Jenkins, the son, of whom I now speak, had been appointed collector 
of taxes, but that did not exempt him from military duty. In November, 1777, 
he was on a scouting party up the river, near fifty miles. Mr. York (father of the 
late Rev. Miner York) was one of his companions. Lemuel Fitch was another; 
they were ambushed not far from Wyalusing, captured by a party of Indians, 
and taken to the British lines. I am told there is somewhere in existence & 
journal of Mr. Jenkins, kept during his captivity, but my searches for it have 
been unavailing.! An Indian chief of some celebrity was a prisoner to the 
Americans in Albany, and Col. John Butler sent Mr. Jenkins, under an escort of 
Indians, to be exchanged for the chief On the way he suffered exceedingly, and 
had it not been that a young savage had become warmly attached to him, Mr. 
Jenkins thought he should have been massacred, and was almost sure he should 

* Mrs. Bertha, consort of Col. John Jenkins, died in 1841, aged 84 years. She is seve= 
ral times mentioned in our annals, 
t Since found. 



28 APPENDIX. 

have been starved. Ardent and constant in his attachments, as implacable and 
cruel in his resentments, the savage presents a character in which vice and vir- 
tue are strangely mingled and strongly contrasted. The young Indian, amidst 
rum and riot, for his sake kept himself sober and calm, fed him — protected him • 
and Mr. Jenkins was prompt, at all times, to do justice to his faithful friend, 
though, from the cruelties practised here, the savages generally were objects of 
horror and detestation. 

'^Arrived at Albany, the chief for whom he was to have been exchanged had 
just died of small-pox. The Indians insisted on taking Mr. Jenkins back with 
them. From their conduct and character he felt certain that they would take his 
life in revenge for that of their chief the moment they were beyond reach of 
pursuit. He was protected, and found his way home to a cordial welcome from 
friends and bride, for he had been recently married. After the massacre and 
expulsion of our people, Mr. Jenkins joined Capt. Spalding's company, and came 
in with him under the command of Col. Zebulon Butler, having the provisional 
appointment of lieutenant, subject to confirmation by Congress. When the troops 
had advanced to the second mountain, within five or six miles of Wilkesbarre, 
two parties were detached, of ten men each, one under Ensign M. HoUenback. 
to go down between the mountains and strike the valley opposite Nanticoke falls; 
the other, under Lieutenant Jenkins, to go northerly and strike the river at Lack- 
awanna. Ensign HoUenback saw a party of savages, who fled to their canoe; a 
shot from one of his rifles wounded an Indian who sprang into the river, but was 
buoyed up by his friends till they reached the opposite shore, when he was car- 
ried off" — whether dead or alive, could not be ascertained. One of our men, 
bravely, perhaps rashly, swam the river, found marks of blood, took the canoe as 
a trophy, and returned to his companions. Ensign HoUenback then marched up 
to Wilkesbarre and met the main body. Lieut. Jenkins, on arriving at the river 
at Pittston, wheeled to march down, when he encountered a party of the enemy. 
His orders were prompt — his conduct spirited. At the head of his men he ad- 
vanced; they fired on the Indians, but their retreat was too rapid. A person 
with him assured me that the conduct of Jenkins showed that he was of true 
courage, an undoubted soldier; a character which he sustained throughout the 
war. Congress confirmed his appointment — issued his commission — and he con- 
tinued in active service till peace. 

^' In 1779, when General Sullivan advanced into the Indian country, Lieut. Jen- 
kins was selected, for his activity, zeal, and knowledge of the country, for one of 
his guides ; the arduous and responsible duty he performed in a satisfactory man- 
ner. Lieut. Jenkins was in the decisive battle of Newtown, and among the most 
efficient and useful officers of his grade in that campaign. 

"As this is meant as a sketch rather than a biography, you will hardly expect 
me to trace Mr. Jenkins through the war. He was always at the post of duty, oi 
danger, and of honour; and left the service, at its close, with the reputation of a 
faithful patriot and good soldier. 

" When peace came Mr. Jenkins became an active surveyor, and followed his 
compass, both in the Genesee country, and on the waters of the Susquehanna. In 
civil and political affairs he took an active part, and possessed a large share of 
public confidence. He held various civil and military offices in Luzerne — was 
commissioner of the county, member of assembly, colonel of militia, &c. When 
the great division in parties took place, Col. Jenkins zealously espoused the De- 
mocratic side — while his distinguished friend and rival, Col. Franklin, took an 
active part with the Federal party. For many years these two famous champions 
maintained a prominent lead, and were, in a good measure, the rallying points 
of the different parties. It was huzza for Col. Jenkins! Huzza for Col. Franklin! 
If I had time I would run a parallel between them; but not now. Both were 
respected— both beloved-— both were men of unquestionable public virtue, capa- 
city and patriotism. 

" Col. Jenkins died in April, 1827, aged 73. In person he was of middle height, 
stout, well proporfioned, framed for strength, endurance and activity combined ; 
extremely hospitable, remarkably clever; yet grave, almost to austerity, in his 
looks when in thought or not speaking; but when animated in conversation there 



APPENDIX. 29 

was a pleasing expression on his countenance. In conversation he was brief 
and sententious — sensible and plain. Like Atreus' son, 

' He spoke no more than just the thing he ought.' 

Col. Jenkins purchased the spot and built his house on the site of the old Win- 
termoot fort, where he lived many years, and where he died. — But several par- 
ticulars press upon my mind, and I must speak of the colonel again." 



NO. XV. 

THE INMAN FAMILY. 

" No faction's voice 
Called them to the field- 
But the pure consecrated love of home." 

" Your account of the Gore family surprised — charmed me, and at the same 
moment made me sad. How dire must have been the necessity that should call 
so great a number of sons and sons-in-law, of one man, into the battle field. 
Seven ! I should have thought, with all his ardour — with all his patriotism, the 
heart of the father would have burst with anxiety. The whole upon one cast! — 
Seven ! — It was a fearful, a tremendous hazard. Seven ! and five lay corpses on 
the bloody field at night ! It was at once glorious and painful ! What devotion 
to country ! What attachment to liberty ! What affection for the dear domestic 
ties of wife, children, parents and home ! But I presume there was no other 
such instance, or anything like it, in the history of that fatal day?" 

" It is scarcely to be imagined that any one family could muster more, and few 
so many ; but the necessity — the necessity (from the two companies being drawn 
away) was imperious that every one who was left, able to carry a gun, should 
go out ; and then, alas ! there were too few. Others were equally spirited, and 
sent every one who was able, to the field. There was the Inman family, a name 
that should be ever dear to Wyoming. Five brothers went to the battle field. 
Two others, one quite a lad, the other about 19 — for there were seven sons — 
would have gone, but they had not arms. It is an interesting fact in the history 
of the invasion of Wyoming, that the companies of Durkee and Ransom were 
obliged to find their own arms. Of course, men of spirit, and regarding them- 
selves as the special defenders of the settlement, they would obtain the best rifles 
and muskets the country afforded. When called away they took with them their 
guns, and thus Wyoming was not only left without men, but deprived of their 
arms • so that, for those who remamed, there were not sufficient. There would 
otherwise have been six or seven of the Inman brothers in the battle; as it was, 
there were five — the two boys being left at home with their aged parents." 

'' Come to the point — what was the issue? how many feU? did they all escape? 
did they all return ?" 

'' Two — Elijah Inman and Israel Inman, fell on the field ; two escaped without 
injury ; and the fifth, hotly pursued by the bloody saveiges, plunged into the river, 
overheated with exertion, and hid himself under the willows. Poor fellow ! he 
might as well have fallen in the fight ; for a cold settled on his lungs, and in a 
few weeks took him to his grave. Thus three sons perished." 

" It was an awful mortality in one family." 

" True, but the melancholy tale is not yet ended. I have another scene of woe 
to paint; but first let me say that they did not fall wholly unavenged. In the 
flight Rufus Bennett was closely pursued by a savage ; both had discharged their 
pieces, and the Indian was chasing with tomahawk and spear. Richard Inman 
drew up his rifle, and the Indian feU dead within a few feet of his intended 
victim. 

" With the rest of the settlement, the Inman family fled ; but in the hope to put 



30 APPENDIX 

in some winter grain, returned in the fall. They found their farm a scene of 
desolation. Fire and destruction had done their utmost, and danger they knew 
lurked around them. Just at the setting in of winter the lads said they heard wild 
turkies in the neighbouring woods; and Isaac, a young man of 19, took his gun 
and went out. Shots were heard, and he did not return. Snow immediately 
after fell. That Indians had been in the neighbourhood was soon known, for 
other families had suffered; and the only hope was that he was alive, though a 
prisoner. Spring — which brings forth sweet blossoms — the warbling of birds — 
and wakens sounds of gladness and of joy, brought grief and woe to the already 
bruised heart of the poor old father. Isaac, the lost boy, might well have been a 
favourite. He was tall, straight as an arrow, gay, sprightly, and every way a very 
pleasing young man. 

' Death found strange beauty on his manly brow 
And dashed it out.' 

•'His mangled corpse was found, when the snow melted, in the edge of a little 
creek that passes through their farm ; he had been shot ; a war club lay by his 
side — his light silken hair was yet stained with blood — ^but I cannot tell it. He 
had been murdered and scalped with all an Indian's barbarity. So that four of 
the family fell that year; that is to say — Elijah, David, Israel and Isaac." 

" It is a story of singular horror and sadness. That family indeed deserved 
well of their country. The father in the course of nature must long since have 
been gathered to our parent earth ; but do any of his children, brothers of the 
fallen patriots, remain? — I hope so — and in prosperity." 

"Your wish is truth. A few miles below Wilkesbarre lives Col. Edward 
Inman, one of our most respectable and wealthy citizens. He owns one of the 
noblest farms in the county — part of it the same where his father dwelt, and part 
added by his own industry, consisting of several hundred acres, embracing a 
large body of the most productive fiats. Plenty crowns his board, and independ- 
ence cheers the evening of his days."* 

" I am rejoiced to hear; and with the poet I can say — 

'The joy 
With which their children tread the hallowed ground 
That holds their venerated bones ; the peace 
That smiles on all they fought for; and the wealth 
That clothes the land they rescued' — 

Bring gladness to my heart." 

* Elijah Inman, the father, died Feb., 1804, aged 86; Susan Inman, the mother, died 
1809, aged 88. 



NO. XVI. 
MRS. LUCY IVES. 

When the Hazldon Travellers were in a course of publication the writer received 
a brief letter, but replete with interesting matter, from the lady whose name is at 
the head of this number. Not choosing to disclose all he had learned, the in- 
formation was preserved purposely to be first brought out in our history. Her tale 
was so full of sorrow, so shrouded in deepest woe, we thought to work up the 
materials into an essay of engrossing interest. Every effort to do so has failed — 
the heart swelled with emotion — the pen refused to trace aline; and the state- 
ment of Mrs. Ives, so touching in its simplicity, and so overwhelming in its 
dreadful record, we are obliged to give as we received it. Art could not heighten 
the calamity — fanc}' would strive in vain to add a single tint to the encrimsoned 
picture. 

" Lucy Williams, now Lucy Ives, says she was at Forty Fort at the time of the 
battle, a child of ten years old. 



APPENDCX 31 

" She had two brothers in the battle, and a brother-in-law. Both her brothers 
were killed, and her brother-in-law wounded. 

" Her father and family went immediately through the swamp ; but he soon 
returned, hoping to secure a part of his harvest, and while endeavouring to do 
so was killed by the Indians. 

" They had lived in Wyoming, at the time of the battle, about five years. 

''Mother and children, after father's death, went to Canterbury, their native 
place, in Connecticut, and did not return till peace. 

"Her father had a large stock of cattle, horses and sheep; everything was lost. 

"Mother had five children left, Esther, Desire, Martha, Lucy and Darius, de- 
pendent on her, and the world to grapple with. 

" My father's name was Elihu Williams. My brothers who were killed were 
named Rufus and Elihu." 

We may add that they were highly respectable, but so broken, and having 
only one son, an infant, at the tim.e of their expulsion, to return and re-establish 
the familj'^, that the same degree of prosperity which has come to many of the 
ancient sufferers did not come to them. Would not the justice, as well as the 
generosity of the government, be exhibited by a grant of land to be divided 
among those who could make out a case like that of Mrs. Ives? 



NO. XVII. 

STEPHEN ABBOTT. 

"On the other side of the river, opposhe Forty Fort, lives Stephen Abbott, a 
respectable and independent farmer. His father, John Abbott, was an early set- 
der in Wyoming. There was one cannon, a four pounder, in the W^ilkesbarre fort, 
and it had been agreed upon that, when certain information came that the enemy 
was dangerously near, the gun should be fired as a signal. At work on the flats, 
with his son, a lad eight or nine years old, he heard the terrific sound come boom- 
ing up. Where, or how near the enemy might he, of course he could not tell; 
but loosening the oxen from the cart, he hastened to the place of rendezvous. He 
was in the battle, and fought side by side with his fellows to defend their homes. 
It makes my heart bleed to recur, as in these sketches I am obliged to do so 
often, to the retreat of our people. Again and again I aver there was no dis- 
honour in it. I do not believe a braver, or more devoted set of men ever marched 
forth to battle; but remember, a great part of the fighting men, those fit for war, 
raised for the defence of Wyoming, were away; defending the country, to be 
sure — fighting in the thrice glorious cause of liberty and independence', most 
certainly, but leaving their own homes wholly exposed, so that our little army 
was made up of such of the settlement as was left, who could carry a gun, how- 
ever unfit to meet the practised and warlike savage, and the well-trained rangers 
of the British Butler. Mr. Abbott took his place in the ranks. He had a wife 
and nine children (the eldest boy being only eleven) depending on his protec- 
tion, labour and care. If a man so circumstanced had offered his services to 
Washington, the general would have said, 'My friend, I admire your spirit and 
patriotism, but your family cannot dispense with your services without suffering 
— your duty to them is too imperious to permit you to leave them, even to serve 
your country.' Such would have been the words of truth and soberness. But 
the emergency allowed no exemption. In the retreat Mr. Abbott fled to the river 
at Monockasy Island, waded over to the main branch, and not being able to 
swim, was aided by a friend and escaped. In the expulsion which followed, 
taking his family he went down the Susquehanna as far as Sunbury. What could 
he do"? Home — harvest — cattle, all hopes of provision for present and future use 
were at Wyoming. Like a brave man who meets danger and struggles to over- 
come i:^ — ^like a faithful husband and fond father, he locked on his dependent 
family, and made his resolve. Mr. Abbott returned in hopes to secure a part of 



32 APPENDIX. 

his excellent harvest which he left ripening in his fields. I am somewhat more 
particular in mentioniiig this, my friend, for I wish, as you take an interest in 
this matter, to impress this important fact upon your mind — ^that our people, though 
sorely struck, though suffering under a most bloody and disastrous defeat, did not 
lie down idly in despair without an effort to sustain themselves. No : the same 
indomitable spirit which they had manifested in overcoming previous difficulties, 
still actuated them. Mr. Abbott came back, determined, if possible, to save from 
his growing abundance the means of subsistence. He went upon the fiats to 
work with Isaac Williams. 

" Mr. Abbott and Mr. Williams were ambushed by the savages, and both mur- 
dered and scalped. There is a ravine on the upper part of the plantation of Mr. 
Hollenback, above Mill creek, where they fell. 

"All hope was now extinguished, and Mrs. Abbott, (her maiden name was 
Alice Fuller,) with a broken heart, set out with her nine children (judge ye how 
helpless and destitute !) to find their way to Hampton, an eastern town in Connec- 
ticut, from whence they had emigrated. Their loss was total. House burnt — 
barn burnt — harvests aU devastated — cattle wholly lost — valuable title papers de- 
stroyed — nothing, nothing, saved from the desolating hand of savage ruin and 
tory vengeance. ' God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.' They had between 
two and three hundred miles to travel, through a country where patience and 
charity had been already nearly exhausted by the great number of applicants for 
relief. But they were sustained; and, arrived at their native place, the family 
was separated, and found homes and employment among the neighbouring farm- 
ers, where they dwelt for several years, until the boys, grown up to manhood, 
were able to return, claim the patrimonial lands — again to raise the cottage and 
the byre, and once more to gather mother and children round the domestic 
hearth, tasting the charms of independence and the blessings of home." 

" An interesting case, most certainly. Besides the deprivation of a father, the 
direct loss of property must have been considerable — more than a thousand dol- 
lars, I should suppose. I confess it appears to me very plain, that the continental 
Congress, having drawn away the men of war raised for the defence of Wyoming, 
thereby brought down the enemy on a defenceless place, and were the cause of 
the sufferings and losses, and that the national government is, therefore, by every 
consideration of justice and honour, though late postponed, bound to make good 
to the sufferers the losses sustained — Did you say that Mrs. Abbott, the widow, 
also returned"?" 

''Yes — and long occupied the farm where her husband fell. She was after- 
wards married to a man whose name was known widely as the extent of the 
settlement ; a shrewd man — a great reader — very intelligent — distinguished far 
and near for the sharpness of his wit, the keenness of his sarcasm, the readiness 
of his repartees, and the cutting pungency of his satire; withal not unamiable — 
for in the domestic circle he was kind and clever, and they lived happily toge- 
ther; but his peculiar talent being known, for many years every wit and witling 
of the country round about thought he must break a lance with him. Constantly 
assailed — tempted daily 'to the sharp encounter' — armed at all points like the 
' fretful porcupine' — cut and thrust, he became expert from practice as he was 
gifted for that species of warfare, by nature. All the old people, in merry mood, 
can teU of onslaught and overthrow of many a hapless wight who had the temerity 
to provoke a shaft from the quiver of old Mr. Stephen Gardiner.'^ 

" You began by speaking of Mr. Stephen Abbott. Did he marry before he 
returned from Connecticut, or did he take a Wyoming girl to wife — a daughter, 
as he was the son of one of the revolutionary patriots?" 

" You shall hear. He married a Searle. (In other parts of our work particu- 
lars of that patriotic and suffering family are detailed.) Having resettled on the 
patrimonial property, a fruitful soil, industry and economy, brought independence 
in their train. Could you look upon the expelled orphan boy of 1778, pattering 
along his little footsteps beside his widowed mother, and other orphan children, 
as they were flying from the savage, and contrast his then seemingly hopeless lot 
with the picture now presented, you would say, ' It is well.' In a very neat white 
house himself, his four children living near, each also occupies a white house. 



APPENDIX. 33 

which are the abodes of agricultural independence and comfort. Mr. Abbott has 
a second wife, having intermarried with the daughter of Colonel Denison. Now 
past 70, the old gentleman enjoys excellent health — the canal passes through his 
farm, and a coal mine opened near its banks yields him a revenue equal to every 
reasonable desire. Long may they live to enjoy it. 



NO. XVIII. 
THE BLACKMAN FAMILY. 

I NOW take pleasure to introduce to you the Blackman family, firm and true in 
the hour of danger; prompt at the call of duty, and deep sufferers when the 
overwhelming calamity fell on our people. Major Eleazer Blackman is 73 years 
of age this month of May. He is the son of Elisha Blackman, who died in 
Sept., 1804, in Wilkesbarre, aged 87. 

I believe 1 have mentioned to you that companies of old men, out of the train- 
band, were formed, called " The Reformadoes," to defend the forts, and do gar- 
rison service, while the younger portion performed the more active duties. Thus 
the fort in Plymouth was kept by a company, of which old Mr. Bidlack was cap- 
tain. The fort at Pittston was kept by a company, of which old Mr. Blanchard, 
father of the late Captain Jeremiah Blanchard, was captain. Jenkins' fort, above 
Wintermoot's, was commanded by Captain Harding, father of the Hardings slain 
at Exeter; old Esq. Jenkins was his lieutenant. And at Wilkesbarre the " Re- 
formadoes" were commanded by Wm. Hooker Smith, the Elisha Blackman, of 
whom I just spoke, being his lieutenant. 

"What! were all these forts to be garrisoned? Pray, how were they to be 
built ■? Did the Continental Congress build them, or were they erected by the 
colony of Connecticut]" 

Very natural, and very proper questions, my fi'iend. I will tell you. In con- 
versation with Major Eleazer Blackman, who, though only about 13 years old at 
the time, is yet, from his clear mind and extraordinary memory, very intelligent in 
respect to all that happened at that early day; he informed me that neither the 
Continental Congress, nor colony of Connecticut expended a penny in building 
those forts. The people of Wyoming built them all, in the language of a reso- 
lution of the town of Westmoreland, " without fee or reward." He, too young 
to go out to battle, worked at the fort at Wilkesbarre, drove oxen to haul in tim- 
ber, dug in the trenches, and laboured constantly until it was finished. This fort 
stood where the court house now stands, and embraced from a quarter to half 
an acre. It was square, built by setting yellow pine logs upright in the earth 
close together, 15 feet high, surrounded by a trench. The corners were so rounded 
as to flank all sides of the fort. The gate opened towards the river, and they had. 
one double fortified four pounder for defence and as an alarm gun to the settle- 
ment. 

The court house and jail of Westmoreland were within the limits of the forti- 
fication. All the forts were built on the same plan, except, in some cases, there 
were double rows of logs set on end in the ground, thereby strengthening the 
defences. 

The day preceding the battle Major Blackman's father and two brothers, Elisha 
and Ichabod, were with the party up at Exeter. 

Elisha Blackman, the brother, was 18 at the time of the engagement. The 
family was from Lebanon in the State of Connecticut, and removed to Wyoming 
in 1773. He belonged to Capt. Bidlack's company, and when they marched up 
to battle there were 32 men. Of these only 8 escaped; himself, Serjt. Daniel 
Downing, Jabez Fish, orderly serjeant, Phineas SpafTord, M. Mullen, Samuel 
Carey, Tom Porter, drummer, and one other; all the rest were slain. 

'^ Four times 8 are 32 — so that three-fourths of Capt. Bidlack's company fell. 
It was a terrible slaughter. Twenty-four out of thirty-two! melancholy indeed !" 

You will observe Bidlack's company was near the right, being next to Capt. 



34 APPENDIX. 

Hewitt's. Bidlack was a firm and brave man, and would not retreat although the 
left was broken and in full flight. True, as was said by his brother, the Rev. B. 
Bidlack — He died on the field where he stood at the head of his men. 

Darius Spatibrd, brother-in-law of Elisha and J^leazer Blackman, was in the 
enoagement. Two months had not passed away since, in the joy of his youthful 
heart, he led his bride, Lovina Blackman, to the sacred altar. In the extreme 
exigency of the case, there was here no exemption as in the Jewish law. The 
■watch fires were kindled on the hills. The gathering brand was lighted. It was 
" Speed — Malise, speed." Neither the funeral train nor the wedding ceremony 
afforded exemption. Spafford went like a true-hearted son of Wyoming. The 
fatal bullet struck him in the shoulder, he fell on the arm of his brother Phineas. 
'• I am mortally hurt,'' were his last words — " take care of Lovina." 

Old Mr. Blackman would not leave the fort. He thought, with Dr. Smith, by 
remaining they might afford some protection — Eleazer, with his mother and 
widowed sister, his sister Lucy, and Phineas Spaifbrd, fled with the rest of the 
affrighted fugitives. The story of their sufferings is the common story of all. A 
part of the way they kept from famishing by gathering berries. When they came 
to the German settlement, they were treated with much kindness, were fed, 
spoken kindly to, and helped on their way. Weary, wayworn and penniless, 
depending chiefly on charity, they got, in a few weeks, to their former home in 
Connecticut, where, one and all, they sought a virtuous and honourable inde- 
pendence by labour. 

Elisha Blackman, Jr., returned with Capt. Spalding, and aided to defend the 
settlement and bury the dead. All the property was destroyed, except two cows, 
which by mere chance were recovered. 

The two brothers, Elisha and Eleazer, the former in April, 78 — the latter 73 in 
]\/[^y — the first in Hanover, the last in Wilkesbarre, each on his own farm, are 
living in comfortable independence and excellent health, deservedly enjoying, in 
a good old age, respected by all, the freedom for which they contended and suf- 
fei'ed. Long" may they coniinue in the enjoyment of every blessing this world 
can give. The following anecdote was told by Mrs. B. 

Among the Indians who formerly lived in the vaUey was one known by the 
narhe of Anthony Turkey. When the savages removed from Wyoming he went 
wath them, and returned as an enemy at the time of the invasion. With him and 
the people there had been before a good understanding, and it created some sur- 
prise when known that he was with the bloody band who had come on the errand 
of destruction. It was Turkey who commanded the party that came to Mr. 
Wrecks the Sunday after the battle, and taking the old gentleman's hat, shoved 
his rocking chair into the street, and sat down and rocked himself. In the inva- 
sion of March following, Turkey was here again, and in an engagement on the 
Kingston flats was shot through the thigh and surrounded by our people. " Sur- 
render, Turkey," said they, " we won't hurt you." Probably conscious of his 
own cruelties, he defied them, and fought like a tiger-cat to the last. Some of 
our boys, in malicious sport, took his body, put it into an old canoe, fixed a dead 
rooster in the bow — fastened a bov/ and arrow in the dead Indian's hands as if in 
the act just to fire, put a written '' Pass" on his breast " to let the bearer go to his 
master. King George or the d — 1," and launched the canoe into the river. Down 
it went amid the clieers of men and boys. It so happened that the canoe went 
clear and came opposite Catawissa, where there was a small settlement. Seeing 
it drifting, with something in it, a man, eager for the prize, jumped into a boat 
and pushed off. What was his surprise, as he drew near, to see an Indian, with 
bow bent and arrow drawn to the head — aimed directly at his breast. He fled 
quicker than he came, but being a man of resolution pushed off again with his 
rifle, and found the old warrior just as he had been launched. After towing him 
in to shore, and a hearty laugh of the people there, he pushed off' the canoe, 
speeding Anthony Turkey to the place of his destination. 

Note. — Written in 1838. Since, in 1844, Major Eleazer Blackman was gathered to his 
fathers, aged 79. Thus the esteemed remnant of the ancient people are fast falling around 
us. The elder brother, Elisha, lives, a hale old man, still an earnest reader of the news, in 
the possession of all his faculties and the enjoyment of life. He is, it is supposed, one of 
three survivors who were in the battle. 



APPENDIX. 35 



NO. XIX. 
THE STARK FAMILY. 

In upper Wilkesbarre, nearly a mile from the Pittston line, northwesterly, or 
towards the river from the road, there is an ancient family burying-ground, where 
repose, side by side, Christopher, James and Henry Stark, the father, grandfather 
and great-grandfather of James and John Stark, Esqs., now residing upon the patri- 
monial property. It is a remarkable case. James Stark. Esq., aged about 50. 
can point to the grave of his progenitor three generations back.* It is doubted if 
another instance exists in old Westmoreland, of a person now (1845) half a cen- 
tury old, whose g-j-ea^grandfather was buried here. Christopher must have been 
a very aged man when, in 1771, he came with his children to the valley. Both 
he and his son James died before the battle- the former by natural decay, the 
latter fell a victim to the small-pox when it prevailed in 1777. Two of the name, 
Aaron and James, are on the town list of inhabitants, 1772. Aaron sold his right 
to his brother James and removed to another part of the valley. 

The family was originally from New England, three brothers having, at an 
early period, emigrated from England, The glorious old hero of Bennington, 
who, by capturing the Hessians, broke the power of Burgoyne, was a descendant 
of one of those brothers, and of course a relative of the Wilkesbarre family. 
Nor was the patriotic spirit confined to the New Hampshire branch. On the 
enlistment of the independent companies of Durkee and Ransom, James Stark, 
son of James and brother of Henry, (whose burial-place we have designated,) 
joined the army and marched to meet the enemy. 

In the battle were three of the name, Daniel, Aaron and James ] the latter only 
escaped, Daniel and Aaron fell. The record show^s their courage and devotion to 
their country's liberty, and that two of them laid down their lives in the sacred 
cause. A portion of the family, after the war, settled on the Tunkhannock, which 
is supposed to derive its origin from Daniel. Mr. John D. Stark, of Pittston, is 
the grandson of Aaron who was slain. 

The first, and, for many years, the largest and best frame house in upper 
Wilkesbarre, belonged to the Stark family. Painted red, more than half a cen- 
tury ago, situate on the first rise from the river, commanding a pleasant prospect 
of the Susquehanna and the large meadows, it was quite an object, in old times. 
of curiosity and attraction. 

The Wilkesbarre branch retain the homestead, increased by purchase and im- 
proved by cultivation. The property has become more valuable than the fondest 
imaginations of their fathers ever conceived of, by fine deposits of anthracite 
coal discovered on the land, easy of access, mines being already opened. More- 
over, the canal passes more than half a mile through the original plantation. 

It may well be a subject of family pride, that the two brothers of whom we 
speak, James and John, have almost, time out of mind, one or the other, been 
magistrates in upper Wilkesbarre, dispensing justice among their rural neighbours. 
To their great credit, be it also recorded, that they have ever discountenanced un- 
necessary litigation, and been more solicitous to preserve harmony than to multi- 
ply fee-bills. It is but a just compliment to James Stark to say, that the neigh- 
bourhood and surrounding country are indebted to him for spirited and unwearied 
exertions to introduce and cultivate every variety of choice fruit, apples, pears, 
cherries, &c. Much has been done; a great deal has been accomplished. We owe 
the delicious Sickle pear to his labours. Had his liberal and untiring efforts been 
properly seconded, Philadelphia would not have boasted finer fruit than Wyo- 
ming. We cannot but regard the man who, with industry and care, establishes 
a nursery — casts about at home and abroad for the finest sorts — engrafting and 

* Cols. Butler and Denison, the very first settlers, have children living not older than 
James Stark, Esq. 



36 APPENDIX. 

teaching his neighbours to engraftj thus contributing to the general health and 
pleasure, as a public benefactor. 



NO. XX. 
NATHAN BEACH, ESQ. 

Nathan Beach, Esq., of Beach Grove, Salem township, for many years one of 
the most distinguished citizens of Luzerne, has furnished me with a brief sketch 
of his life during the war, which we give entire. We may add that Mr. Beach 
was a magistrate for many years, and for a still longer time postmaster at Beach 
Grove. Near forty years ago, to wit, in 1807 — 8, the author and Mr. Beach repre- 
sented the county of Luzerne in the Assembly, then sitting in Lancaster. Room 
mates as well as colleagues, a friendly intimacy commenced which has never 
suffered the slightest interruption. Active, enterprising, having a mind quick to 
perceive, a memory extraordinarily retentive, and a faculty to communicate with 
remarkable clearness and spirit the incidents occurring in his eventful life ; a more 
pleasant or instructive companion, in respect to ancient affairs, could rarely be 
met with. Even now, at the age of 82 (1845), his graphic account of the sur- 
render of Cornwall is, possesses more interest than any we have ever read or 
heard. Fortune has smiled on his exertions, and the poor exiled boy is now able 
to ride in his carriage and pair, abounding in wealth, still blessed with health, 
and buoyant in spirits, esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 

"In the year 1769 my father removed \vith his family from the State of New 
York, to the valley of Wyoming, now Luzerne County, State of Pennsylvania, 
where he contiimed to reside within the limits of the said county, until the 4th 
day of July, 1778, the day after the Wyoming massacre, so called. When the 
inhabitants, to wit, all those who had escaped the tomahawk and scalping knife, 
fled in every direction to places of security — about the first of August following I 
returned with my father and Thomas Dodson, to secure our harvest which we had 
left in the fields. While we were engaged in securing our harvest as aforesaid, 
I was taken prisoner by the Indians and tories; made my escape the day follow- 
ing. In the fall of the same year, 1778, my father and family went to live at 
Fort Jenkins, (Columbia County, Pa.) I was there employed, with others of the 
citizens, and sent out on scouting parties by Capt. Swany, commander of the fort, 
and belonging to Col. Hartley's regiment of the Pennsylvania line, continued at 
said fort until about the first of June, 1779, during which time had a number of 
skirmishes with the Indians. In May, 1779. the Indians, thirty-five in number, 
made an attack on some families that lived oae mile from the fort, and took three 
families, twenty-two in number, prisoners. Information having been received at 
the fort. Ensign Thornbury was sent out by the captain in pursuit of the Indians, 
with twenty sQldiers, myself and three others of the citizens also went, making 
twenty-four. We came up with them — a sharp engagement took place, which 
lasted about thirty minutes, during which time we had four men killed and five 
wounded out of the twenty-four. As we were compelled to retreat to the fort, 
leaving our dead on the ground, the Indians took their scalps. During our en- 
gagement with the Indians the twenty-four prisoners before mentioned made their 
escape and got safe to the fort. The names of the heads of those families taken 
prisoners as aforesaid, were Bartlet Ramey, Christopher Forrow and Joseph 
Dewey: the first named, Bartlet Ramey, was killed by the Indians. Soon after 
the aforesaid engagement, in June I entered the boat department. Boats having 
been built at Middletown, Dauphin County, called continental boats, made for 
the purpose of transporting the baggage, provisions, &c., of Gen. Sullivan's army 
— which was on its march to destroy the Indian towns in the lake country, in the 
State of New York, I steered one of those boats to Tioga Point, where we dis- 
charged our loading and I returned to Fort Jenkins in August, where I found our 
family. The Indians still continued to be troublesome; my father thought it 



APPENDIX. ^f 

advisable to leave the country and go to a place of more safety; we left the Sus- 
quehanna, crossed the mountains to Northampton County, in the neighbourhood 
of Bethlehem: this being in the fall of 1779. In May, 1780, the Indians paid a 
visit to that countr)'', took and carried away Benjamin Gilbert and family, and 
several of his neighbours, amounting to eighteen or twenty in all. Said Gil- 
bert was a public Friend, of the society called Quakers. It was then thought 
expedient to raise a certain number of militia men, and establish a line of block- 
houses north of the Blue Mountain, from the Delaware River near Stroudsburg 
in Northampton county to the river Schuylkill in then Berks, now Schuylkill 
County, in which service I entered as substitute for Jacob Reedy. In May. 1780, 
was appointed orderly serjeant in Capt. Conrad Bather's company, in which situ- 
ation I served that season six months, as follows: — two months under Capt. 
Rather, two months under Capt. Deal; during this two months the Indians made 
an attack upon our blockhouse, at which engagement some of the Indians were 
killed; and two months under Capt. Smeathers. During the winter it was con- 
sidered unnecessary to continue the service. In May, 1781, the forces were re- 
organized at the blockhouses, where I served four months. In September of the 
same year I entered the French service in Philadelphia as wagoner, with Capt. 
Gosho, wagon master, and was attached to the hospital department; arrived at 
Yorktown, Virginia, the last of September, about three weeks before the sur- 
render of Lord Cornwallis. I remained with the army in the neighbourhood of 
Yorktown until June, 1782, at which time the French army left Virginia for Bos- 
ton, arrived at Providence, State of Rhode Island, about in November ; remained 
there until the first of February, 1783, when the army marched to Boston, and 
embarked on board of their fleet. I then returned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
was discharged, and returned home after an absence of about eighteen months. 
I was born, says our family register, July, 1763, near a place now called Hudson, 
on the North River, in the State of New York. Have continued to reside within 
Luzeme County from September, 1769, to the present time, excepting five years 
as before stated. 

'^ NATHAN BEACH. 
^^Septembe)- 3d, 1842." 

Mr. Beach related to the writer the following amusing anecdote, showing in 
what manner the second set of Yankees, confined in the Easton Prison, obtained 
their discharge. 

The captivity of the Yankee party, by Sheriff Jennings of Northampton county, 
and imprisonment at Easton, has so many laughable circumstances connected with 
it, that all melancholy impressions are obliterated, and may awaken a smile from 
all sides of the question. The Wyoming captives found among the inhabitants 
of Easton a great many friends, whose sympathy for their fate was greater than 
anger for their fault. 

Flip, in those days, was a favourite and fashionable liquor, especially among 
the New England settlers. Stay, we will delay the narrative only long enough to 
give the receiptto make it. Put into a quart of beer a tablespoonful of brown sugar, 
warm it thoroughly by stirring it round with a red hot poker; add from a gill to half a 
pint of old Antigua rum ; grate on half a nutmeg ; our grandfathers thouirht it a capital 
beverage. Many a liberal-hearted Eastonian was in the habit of visiting the pri- 
soners, furnishing the materials, and partaking of the inspiring draught. The jailor, 
too, a jovial clever fellow, occasionally sipped a noggin, with his merry charge. 

One might think the plan had been concerted. The keeper having closed the 
evening with an extra mug, lost the power, or the will, to make much resistance. 
Opening the door to let out some of the visitors, old Mr Beach and his compa- 
nions pressed it back against him, holding him in durance, till the whole party 
escaped, and they returned to Wyoming. 

At the surrender of Cornwallis, Mr Beach relates that the British marched out, 
playing 1st, Lord Cornwallis' March — 2d, some popular tune in their army, and 
3d, God save the King; and stacked arms. The American and French troops 
advanced playing 1st, Count Rochambeau's March ; 2d, Washington's March: and 
3d, as they surrounded the stacked arms, Yankee Doodle ! On hearing which 



38 APPENDIX. 

the British soldiers became almost ungovernably enraged, and could scarcely be 
restrained from rushing back and seizing their muskets. 

And then, said Mr. Beach, was to be seen the most extraordinary sight I ever 
beheld. The officers of all three armies, in large numbers, on horseback, ex- 
changing courtesies as if they were sworn brothers just met. instead of deadly 
foes ; old acquaintance recognizing and introducing each other to officers to whom 
they were strangers. 

" Grim-visaged war then smoothed his wrinkled front." But an incident oc- 
curred, annoying to one of the best officers of the British army. Col.Tarlton was 
obliged to dismount from a beautiful charger, claimed by a Virginia gentleman, 
from whom it had been taken. 

[Though entirely out of place I cannot repress the curiosity I have to know 
who were passengers to New York, in the " Bonetta." What an incident to form 
half a dozen chapters in a romance !] 



NO. XXI. 
ELISHA HARDING, ESQ. 

'•■ He slept with his fathers," is the simple and beautiful expression of Scripture, 
when an aged man had closed his earthly pilgrimage. Elisha Harding, Esq., of 
Eaton, has paid the debt of Nature, and gone down to the grave in a good old age, 
with the universal respect of all who knew him. One of the very few M^ho were 
left among us who shared in the scenes and sufferings of Wyoming in the Revo- 
lutionary war, his departure creates a painful chasm, and compels the remark — 
'• A few, very few years more, and not one will remain who can say — ' I was 
there — I saw the British Butler, his Green Rangers and his savage myrmidons— 
I saw the scalps of our butchered people, and witnessed the conflagration.' " 

Elisha Harding was a native of Colchester, Connecticut, born in 1763, and came 
with his father to Wyoming in 1770 among the early settlers. Exeter was the 
place selected for their residence. At the commencement of the Revolutionary 
troubles, Wintermoot's fort had been erected, and suspicion prevailed that those who 
controlled it were not friendly to our cause, although their professions were fair. 
The Jenkinses and the Hardings, the chief Whig families who lived near, thought 
proper to unite their efforts, and Jenkins' fort was built above Wintermoot's, near 
the ferry. Young Harding, then a boy too young to lift logs, had yet the true 
blood flowing in his veins; he could drive oxen; and he worked at the stoccade 
with the spirit of youth and ardour of patriotism. This was in 1777. In No- 
vember of that year, John Jenkins, Jr., was taken prisoner by the Indians and 
carried to Niagara. A Mr. York and Lemuel Fitch were taken off at the same 
time. An old man named Fitzgerald was also made captive. The enemy placed 
him on a flax-brake, and gave him his choice — to die, or renounce his Whig 
principles and swear allegiance to King George. The reply is worthy of preser- 
vation in letters of gold : '' I am an old man — I can continue but a few years at 
most, and had rather die now, a friend to my country — than have my life spared 
and be branded with the name of Tory !" He was a noble fellow. And they had 
the magnanimity to let him go. 

The troubles which may be said to have begun with the captivity of Jenkins, 
now thickened around the settlement. In May, 1778, WiUiam Crooks and Asa 
Budd went up the river and stopped at John Secord's house, where Crooks was 
shot by the enemy, and Budd escaped. Was not the blood of Crooks the first 
shed at Wyoming? The people now repaired to the forts for safety. At Jenkins' 
fort were the family of that name, the head of which was John Jenkins, Esq., a 
man distinguished in his day by intelligence, zeal for liberty, and extensive in- 
fluence. In May, 1777, he had been elected a memherof Assembly to Connecti- 
cut, from Westmoreland. He was the father of the Mr. Jenkins who was a pri- 
soner ; and afterwards through the war a brave and active officer. Here were 



APPENDIX. 3^ 

Capt. Stephen Harding, Benjamin, Stukely, and Stephen Harding, Jr., Wm. Martin, 
James Hadsall, Sr., and Jr., Samuel Morgan, Ichabod Phelps, Miner Robbins, 
John Gardiner, Daniel Weller, and Daniel Carr, with their women and children. 

On the 30th of June the men left the fort and went up the river a few miles to 
work among their corn ; they were ambushed by the savages, and six of them, 
slain. Those who fell were Stukely Harding, and Benjamin Harding, brothers 
of Elisha; Miner Robbins, James Hadsall, James Hadsall, Jr., and a coloured man 
named Martin [see note]. The British Butler said our men fought as long as 
they could stand ; when found their bodies were shockingly mangled — full of spear 
holes — their hands and arms cut as if an attempt had been made to take them 
prisoners, and they had resisted to the last. Daniel Weller, Daniel Carr and John 
Gardiner were taken prisoners. Mr. Harding, of whom we write, used to say, 
that in all his life he never saw a more piteous scene than that of Mr. Gardiner 
taking leave of his wife and children. After the battle he was allowed to see, 
and bid them farewell, when he was driven off, led by a halter, loaded almost to 
crushing with plunder. — He seemed an object of particular spite, probably arising 
from the revenge of some personal enemy. " Go — go " — was the Indian's com- 
mand. On the way, a few miles west of Geneva, he became worn out — fell and 
was given up to the squaws, who put him to death with cruel torture. 

The day before the battle, Jenkins' fort capitulated to a detachment under Capt. 
Caldwell, and young Harding was among the prisoners. As suspected, Winter- 
moot's fort threw open its gate to the enemy. On the 3d of July in the afternoon 
about one o'clock, word came upto Jenkins' fort that the Yankees were marching out 
to battle and aU the warriors must go down to Wintermoot's to meet them. The 
issue is known. The next day Mr. Harding describes the savages, as smoking, 
sitting about, and with the most stoical indifference, scraping the blood and brains 
from the scalps of our people, and straining them over little hoops to dry — a most 
soul-sickening sight. In a day or two Col. Butler, his Rangers, and a party of the 
Indians left the valley, abandoning the settlement to the tender mercies of the 
butchers who chose to remain. Among the expelled, he sought his way to 
Norwich, Connecticut, bound himself to the blacksmith's trade, and despising 
idleness and dependence, nobly resolved to live above the world and want, by 
honest industry. 

After the war he returned to the beloved waters of the Susquehanna. Whoever 
dwelt on its banks that did not say — If I forget thee, thou clear and beautiful stream, 
may my right hand forget its cunning? Whoever left Wyoming, whose soul did 
not long to return to its romantic hills and lovely plains! 

Married, settled, having an admirable farm, and he a first rate farmer, comfort 
and independence flowed in upon him, crowned his board with plenty, and gave 
him the means of charitable usefulness, in reward for early toils and present labour. 

A man of strong mind and retentive memory, he read much and retained every- 
thing; worth remembering. Shrewd, sensible, thoroughly understanding human 
nature, few in his neighbourhood had more influence. A justice under a com- 
mission from Gov. Mifflin, he rendered useful services as a magistrate for a long 
series of years. Of a ready turn of wit, an apt story — an applicable Scripture 
quotation — a couplet of popular verse, always ready at command, rendered him 
a prominent and successftil advocate in the thousand interesting conflicts of opin- 
ion that arise in life. A keen sarcasm — severe retort — an unexpected answer, 
that would turn the laugh on his opponent, characterized him, but never in bitter- 
ness, for he was too benevolent to give unmerited pain. Of old times he loved 
to converse, and his remarkable memory enabled him to trace with surprising 
accuracy every event which he witnessed, or heard, during the troubles here. He 
could describe every house and farm, and name every farmer from the lower to 
the upper line, living in Exeter before the battle, although but a lad of 12 or 13. 

A very worthy — a very clever — a very upright man, he leaves the world re- 
spected and regretted. Thick set, not tall, but well knit together he seemed 
formed for strength and endurance ; of an excellent constitution, well preserved 
by exercise, cheerfulness and temperance, he had known but little sickness. A 
year ago, 1839, the last time I had the pleasure to see him, his mind seemed in 
full vigour, and he gave promise of many years of life and enjoyment. In the 



40 APPENDIX. 

beginning of August he was struck with apoplexy ; mind and body sinking to- 
gether, he survived the stroke but a short time, and died in the 75th year of his 
age. 

" In sober state 

Through the sequester'd vale of mortal life 

The venerable patriarch guileless held 

The tenour of his way ; labour prepared 

His simple fare ; and temp'rance rul'd his board. 

Tired with his daily toil at early eve 

He sunk to soft repose ; gentle and pure 

As breath of evening zephyr; and as sweet 

Were all his slumbers ; with the sun he rose 

Alert and vigorous as he, to run 

His destined course : Virtue and usefulness — 

Ever marked his path 

Along the gentle slope of life's decline 

He bent his gradual way; till full of years 

He dropt like mellow fruit into his grave." 

Note. — There was not a family in the country more ardently devoted to freedom than 
the Hardings ; or that suffered more. 

Those who fell at Exeter, were taken to the burying-ground near Jenkins ferry, where 
their remains were interred. Elisha Harding, Esq., with pious and patriotic feeling, raised 
a stone to their memory, with this inscription, " Sweet be the sleep of those who prefer Death 
to Slave7-y.'' 



NO. XXII. 
THE DANA FAMILY. 

Notwithstanding the story of this patriotic and suffering family is so exten- 
sively interwoven in the body of our work, their merits demand some further notice 
from our pen. Anderson Dana, Esq., from Ashford, Windham county, was a 
lawyer of handsome attainments. Immediately on his removal to Wilkesbarre he 
took a decided lead in the establishment of free schools, and a Gospel minister. 
It is a pleasure to trace in the old records the noble impress of his Puritan zeal, on 
both subjects. — Before the first stump cut on his plantation had begun to decay, 
his son, Daniel Dana, was placed at school in Lebanon, to prepare himself for a 
collegiate education at Yale. On his return from the assembly at Hartford, near 
the close of June, 1778, where, at that most trying period, the people had chosen 
him to represent them, the enemy having come, Mr. Dana mounted his horse 
and rode from town to town, arousing, cheering, for the conflict^ though by law 
exempt from militia duty, he hastened to the field and fell. 

The death of his son-in-law Stephen Whiton was not less distressing. The 
young schoolmaster was especially welcome as a suitor, because to a fine person 
he united pleasing manners, pure morals, and was a scholar. A few M'eeks only 
had passed since the celebration of the nuptials, when Whiton, forced by impe- 
rious necessity, tore himself from the fond embrace of his sorrowing bride — to 
return no more. 

Mrs. Dana, with a though tfuln ess no where equaled, knowing that as her 
husband was much engaged in public business, his papers must be valuable, 
gathered up all she deemed most important, took provisions, and with her 
widowed daughter, and the younger children, fled. Mr. Anderson Dana, now at 
the age of 76, residing on the homestead, then a lad of 9, was their chief male 
protector. Like hundreds of others they sought their way to their former home, 
in Connecticut, where, while Anderson was put out an apprentice, Daniel was 
sent to college, and the rest turned their hands to such labour as could best sustain 
them. The independent spirit exhibited, all unconquerable, is itself a beautiful 
illustration of the Yankee character. Several months after, Mrs. Whiton was con- 
fined with a daughter, who intermarried with Capt. Hezekiah Parsons, for thirty 



APPENDIX. 41 

years past one of the most estimable citizens of Wilkesbarre. Smile who may : 
Mrs. Parsons, if guns are fired suddenly near, is almost thrown into convulsions or 
fainting, the overwhelming dread, being traced without a doubt, to the alarm suf- 
fered by her mother at the time of the battle. If the sorrows of early life are not 
forgotten, they are assuaged by healing time. Their days have been prosperous, and 
independence smiles on their declining years. Anderson Dana returned, after a 
bound service of 10 or 11 years, to recover the patrimonial estate. The father's 
fondest aspirations never could have reached the degree of wealth and prosperity, 
which the old plantation exhibits, for not only the canal passes through it, but the 
rail-road runs near half a mile across it, while, bounded by the main avenue, it 
is all becoming building lots. Butler and Eoss were formerly in advance of Dana, 
but the Dana property will nearly equal them. But behold that large white build- 
ing on the upper line of the farm ! It is Dana's Academy. 

Daniel, as designed by the father, was educated at Yale College. He lived 
many years in the State of New York, was judge of the court and held other offi- 
cial stations. In advanced age he removed with his children to Ohio, where in 
1841, he died aged 80 ; having lived a life of usefulness, and left a memory with- 
out stain or reproach. 

The Rev. Sylvester Dana, another son, imbued like his martyred father Avith a 
zeal for religion and love of learning, sold his patrimonial right, and obtained a 
liberal education, with the intent to enter into the Christian ministry. He now 
resides in Concord, New Hampshire. A few years since Wyoming had the plea- 
sure to welcome him to its now pleasant and peaceful scenes, which he had left 
abounding in sorrow and clouded with woe. 

Eleazer, the youngest son, resides at Owego, New York, where, for forty years 
past, in an extensive legal practice he has acquired respect, and accumulated a 
handsome independence. 

Five of the grandchildren of the old patriot have been educated at college, 
making with the two sons named, seven of the family. 

Hon. Amasa Dana, of Ithaca, another grandson, has for several terms, repre- 
sented the district in which he resides in Congress, and his able report at the 
session of 1843-4, on the reduction of postage, was essentially instrumental in 
effecting the late reform. 

Let those who have no taste for such details turn from them. I own the plea- 
sure it gives me to trace up from the dark and bloody scenes of '78, families of the 
old sufferers, rising into joyous light, independence and honour. 



NO. XXIII. 

THE JAMESON FAMILY. 

The Jameson family, second to none in respectability, services or sufferings, 
were among the early inhabitants of Wyoming, having emigrated hither in 1776, 
from Voluntown, Connecticut. Robert Jameson, the father, was born in 1714, 
and therefore 62 when he arrived in the valley; but he brought with him a number 
of sons, men grown, or just entering upon the stage of action. Robert, William, 
John, Alexander and Joseph. He had one daughter who married Elisha Harvey. 
A daughter of theirs was married to the Rev. George Lane so long known and 
beloved in Wyoming. Her husband was taken prisoner by the savages and kept 
a long time in Canada. Robert and William were in Capt. M'Karachan's com- 
pany in the battle. Robert fell and William had the lock of his gun shot away, 
but escaped. The murder of William, near Careytown in the fall of 1778; and 
of John, in 1782, near the Hanover meeting-house, we have recorded in the body 
of our work. Thus, of his five sons, three fell victims to the merciless Indians ; 
and the son-in-law was a captive in their hands. Verily this was drinking deep 
of the cup of woe. John Jameson, the last one slain, had married a daughter of 
Major Prince Alden, and left two children a son and a daughter; Hannah, a third 



42 APPENDIX. 

child was bom shortly after his decease, and married Elder Pearce, a distinguished 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Polly was married to Jonathan 
Hunlock; and Samuel, the eldest child, resided at the original farm in Hanover, 
where he recently died, having sustained the character of an upright and amiable 
man ; for several of the last years of his life, he was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. The two other sons of the old gentleman have resided on their beautiful 
plantation in Salem, adjoining that of N. Beach Esq., having at their command, 
and hospitably enjoying all the good things, that could make life pass agreeably. 
Joseph, one of the pleasantest and most intelligent men of our early acquaint- 
ance, chose to live a bachelor, the more unaccountable, as his pleasing manners, 
cheerful disposition, and inexhaustible fund of anecdote, rendered him every- 
where an agreeable companion. Alexander was for a great number of years an 
approved magistrate. He was and is a man of active business habits. These united 
with a sound judgment led him to the accumulation of wealth to his heart's con- 
tent. Both these brothers, besides the deep, deep sufferings of their family, were 
themselves participators in the active scenes of the war and endured hardships 
that the present inhabitants can form no true conception of. Their mother's 
maiden name was Dixon, of the family from which the Hon. Mr. Dixon, recent 
Senator in Congress from Rhode Island, was descended. Their father died in 
1786, aged 72. Though far advanced in the vale of years, we cannot but express 
the hope that their lives may be prolonged to enjoy the blessings won by their 
worthy labours^ and the unsurpassed services and sufferings of their patriotic family. 



NO. XXIV. 
THE PERKINS' FAMILY. 

Among the instances of Indian barbarity, the murder of Mr. John Perkins has 
been narrated. He was from Plainfield, Windham county. On the enlistment 
of the two independent companies, his eldest son, then an active young man, of 
about twenty, enrolled his name in the list, and marched to camp under Ransom. 
Hence the family were objects of especial hatred to the enemy. Aaron Perkins 
continued in the army, to the close of the war, having given his best days to the 
service of his country. David Perkins, the next brother, took charge of the family, 
and by great prudence and industry, kept them together, and not only preserved 
the plantation, but improved and enlarged it, so that now it is among the most 
valuable in Kingston. For a great number of years, Mr. Perkins executed the 
duties of a magistrate to the general acceptance. A son of his held the com- 
mission of major in the United States army, and is still in the service. Numbers 
of his children are well married, and settled around him, or not far distant. The 
late Mrs. James Hancock, whose amiable character endeared her to all who had 
the pleasure of her acquaintance, was the daughter of David Perkins. The beau- 
tiful farm of Mr. Hancock embracing more than 100 acres of rich alluvial land, 
contains the lower part of the ancient Indian fort, the upper part, running into the 
no less valuable plantation of Mr. John Searle, whose grandfather fell in the 
battle. So that the children, descendants of both those ancient sufferers by savage 
barbarity, now disport in peaceful triumph on the ruined palace of those haughty 
and cruel warriors, by whose hands their forefathers fell. 

David Perkins, Esq., still lives, in the enjoyment of fine health, and an easy for- 
tune. Aaron, the old soldier, one of the extreme remnant of Ransom and Durkee's 
men, broken with age and toil, you may yet see, slowly pacing his brother's porch, 
or in a summer day taking his walk along those beautiful plains. If not enjoying 
much positive pleasure, he yet seems to suffer no pain. Linger yet, aged veteran! 
Ye winds blow kindly on him ! Beam mildly on his path, thou radiant sun, that 
saw his father slaughtered ! and must have witnessed the gallant soldier in many 
a noble conflict. Plenty surrounds him. Peace to his declining years! As a 
most interesting memorial of the past we love to look upon you ! 



APPENDIX. 43 

Justice prompts me to say that the family of Perkins stands among the foremost 
on the file of patriotic services and deep sufferings, and is entitled to gratitude and 
respect. 



NO. XXV. 
DR. WILLIAM HOOKER SMITH. 

The name of this gentleman is several times mentioned in our annals; but it 
seems proper to add a line or two respecting him. He filled a large space in 
public estimation at Wyoming, for nearly half a century. A man of great saga- 
city and tact as well as of an excellent education, his influence was extensively 
felt and acknowledged. For many years he held the first rank as a physician, 
and from the numerous cures performed, the old people thought him unequaled. 
The extraordinary cases of the recovery of Follet and Hagaman, excited wonder: 
but he was modest, and candid enough to say, that no human means could have 
availed, beyond the exhibition of a diet at once cool, nourishing and easy of diges- 
tion, the patient being kept cheerful and quiet — Nature was the great physician and 
made the cure. The truth seems to have been, that to great skill in his pro- 
fession, he united a large share of that capital ingredient — good common sense. 

Both the patriotic spirit and activity of Dr. Smith are shown by the fact that, 
while he was relied on as chief medical attendant, by the settlement, he yet ac- 
cepted, and exercised the post of captain, commanding in Wilkesbarre, the " old 
reiormadoes," as the aged men were called, who associated to guard the fort. 
Subsequently when numerous troops were stationed at Wyoming, Dr. Smith was 
still the principal physician. After the war his enterprise led him to the estab- 
lishment of mills, at the old forge place, Pittston, where in 1800 he resided. 

A daughter married Mr. Isaac Osterhout, and after his decease. Fisher Gay, Esq., 
of Kingston.* Besides the daughter named, Dr. Smith had a numerous family. 
William Smith, a third son, is now (1845) living in Windham, Wyoming county, 
at the advanced age of 85 years. A daughter, Sarah, was married to James 
Sutton, of Exeter. She died in 1834, aged about 80 years. (Gen. Ross, when the 
writer began to collect materials for this work, frequently expressed regret at the 
departure of Mrs. Sutton, whom he represented as having a more perfect know- 
ledge of Wyoming history than any person he ever knew.) But there was ano- 
ther daughter, who was married to Dr. Samuel Gustin, (whose name will be 
found appended as a witness to the capitulation of Forty Fort.) Dr. Gustin re- 
moved to the west, and an only daughter of theirs, who was in the fort at the time 
of its surrender, married the Rev. Mr. Snowden, father of James Ross Snowden, 
Esq. The heart leaps more quickly, and the life current flows more kindly, at 
the mention of his name, when we recollect that the late honoured Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and present Treasurer of the State, is the descendant 
of one of the Wyoming sufferers. 

A daughter, Mary, married Mr. Baker, of New York city ; Elizabeth married 
Mr. Bailey, who died in the lake country. Two sons, John and James, resided 
and died in the State of New York. 

Dr. Smith died in the township of Tunkhannock, July 17th, 1815, aged 91 years, 
having been born in 1724. 

His heirs received from Congress, in 1838, an appropriation of $2400 as pay for 
acting surgeon in the Revolutionary war. For many of these interesting facts we 
are indebted to the polite attention of Isaac S. Osterhout, Esq., grandson of the 
deceased patriot. The grant was just in itself, due to the services, and honourable 
to the memory of Dr. Smith. A very few instances of the kind have occurred. 

* Mr. Gay resides near the monument, which is built on his plantation, and it is proper 
to record, to his honour, that he most liberally presented the ground on which the structure 
is erected. 



44 APPENDIX. 

A number of cases still remain perfectly clear, and of imperious obligation, which 
Congress would not refuse to provide for, if the pressure of business would allow 
them leisure to hear and understand them. 



NO. XXVI. 
THE SEARLE FAMILY. 

" In reply to your question, I said that Mr. Stephen Abbott married a Searle; 

Abigail, daughter of William Searle, who was the son of Constant Searle. The 
last named, (Mrs. Abbott's grandfather,) was in the battle. He was a man ad- 
vanced in age, having several sons and daughters married, and being the grand- 
father of a number of children." 

"What! old men ! grandfathers! were such obliged to go out?" 

'^ They were; the able-bodied men, fit for war, being marched away, created 
the direful necessity which drew to the battle-field old and young. Mr. Searle 
was there, and a son of his, Roger Searle, quite a young man; his son-in-law, 
Capt. Deathic Hewett, commanded the third company raised at Wyoming, by 
order of Congress, a very short time before the invasion. So there were three of 
the family in the engagement; and the fourth, (William Searle,) would also have 
been there, but was at the time confined to the house by a wound received from 
a rifle-shot while on a scouting party a few days previous to the battle. 

''How unsuitable it was that a man like old Mr. Searle should go out, will further 
appear from the fact that he wore a wig, as was not unusual with aged men in 
those days. The bloody savages, in their riotous joy, after their victory, made 
this appendage the source of great merriment. A prisoner (adopted, I have 
reason to think, after the Indian fashion), was painted and permitted to go down 
from Wintermoot's to Forty Fort, to take leave of his mother, under a guard. 
When near the brook that runs by Col. Denison's he saw a group of savages in 
high glee. On coming near he beheld an Indian on a colt, with a rope for a 
bridle, having on his head, hind side before, the wig of Mr. Searle. The colt 
would not go; and one of the wretches pricked him with his spear — he sprang 
suddenly, the Indian fell on one side, the wig on the other, and the demons raised 
a yell of delight. 

'' Mr. Searle, before he went out to battle, took off a pair of silver knee buckles, 
which he wore — gave them to his family, saying, they might impede his move- 
ments; — if he fell, he should not need, and if he returned, he could get them. 
There was evidently a strong presentiment on his mind — ' I go to return no more.' 

" The first incident I find myself reluctant to relate — it appears like awakening 
light thoughts, in the midst of anguish, sorrow, and despair; but it seems proper 
that those things should be set forth, which make deep impressions of material 
facts ; and I deem it a very important matter, in considering the battle, the defeat, 
and the present Claim of our people — ^to show that old mai, unfit fi)r war, by the 
necessity of the case, were forced into the field against trained, youthful, and ex- 
pert warriors. The very young also were there. Roger Searle, the son of Con- 
stant, a young man of 18 or 19, stood by the side of Wm. Buck, aladof 14 — they 
fought together. Buck fell, and Searle escaped. 

" Wm. Searle, Mrs. Abbott's father, went out through the wilderness with the 
family, having twelve women and children under his care. I have seen a me- 
morandum kept by him. It runs thus: 

'' ' Battle of Westmoreland July 3, 1778, 

'' ' Capitulation ye 41 h. 

'' ' Prisoners obtained liberty to leave the settlement ye 7th.' 

'' It proceeds to the 25th, when they arrived at their former residence in Stoning- 
ton, Connecticut. 

'' On the 13th they got to Fort Penn on the Delaware, and here they received 



APPENDIX. 45 

from Col. Stroud, a pass and recommendation, a copy of which may not be unac- 
ceptable as a memorial of old times: 

" ' Permit the bearers, Serjt. Wm. Searle with twelve women and children, in 
company with him to pass unmolested to some part of the state of Connecticut, 
where they may be able bj' their industry, to obtain an honest living, they being 
part of the unhappy people, drove off from Wyoming by the Tories and Indians, 
and are truly stripped and distressed and their circumstances call for the charity 
of all Christian people ; and are especially recommended by me to all persons in 
authority, civil and military, and to all continental officers and commissaries, to 
issue provisions and other necessaries for their relief on the road. 

'^ ' Given under ray hand at Fort Penn. 
" 'July 14, 1778. Jacob Stroud, Col.' " 

Four of the name, to wit, Roger, William, Constant, and Miner Searle, were 
forty -five years ago among the most intelligent and influential citizens upon the 
Lackawana; but they all departed in mid-life. Constant, who was in the battle, 
died at Providence Aug. 4, 1804, aged 45 years. Their descendants retain, or 
possess, several of the most valuable farms in old Westmoreland, while one 
at least, whom we could name, from a female branch of the family, is winning 
his way to distinction in an arduous and honourable profession. 



NO. XXVII. 
THE GORE FAMILY. 

Having given you a sketch of the Bidlack family, it seems proper to speak of 
his lady, Mrs. Bidlack, whose father and brothers were among the most con- 
spicuous actors in the eventful scenes that occurred at Wyoming. Her maiden 
name was Gore, daughter of Obadiah Gore, Esq. ,• she was the sister of the late 
Obadiah Gore, who was for many years an associate judge of the court in Luzerne 
county. Norwich, in the State of Connecticut, was the place of her birth. Mrs. 
Bidlack is now (1838) 80 years of age:"* but she moves about the house, looking to 
her domestic concerns with the ease and attention of a woman of forty. In ex- 
cellent health — with a cheerful flow of spirits, her mind strong and memory 
clear — to the inquirer after facts in relation to the early history of Wyoming, she 
is at once a pleasing and valuable instructor. 

Of course she must have been about 20 years old at the time of the battle. That 
day she was in Forty Fort. 

Few things have affected me more deeply, in answer to my inquiries into the 
events that occurred in Wyoming during the war, than the fact of the devotion, 
heart and soul, of the people here to the cause of liberty and their country. I in- 
troduce this remark in no idle or half-meaning spirit 5 but as a truth justly redound- 
ing to their patriotism and honour. It did not seem an unwilling service — the 
duty performed did not appear to be a grudging compliance with the call of law. 
Families of half a dozen did not send out one of their number to defend the cause 
of freedom, while the other five remained at home to plant, to build, to trade, or 
to make money. The new married man left his bride without claiming the fair 
exception of the Jewish law. The father, whose first bom smiled a persuasive 
request to stay, left the cradle side, and his dependent infant, with its mother's 
blessing and consent, given through tears, and he ranged himself in the ranks for 
battle. Take the instance of the Gore family : The old gentleman was one of 
the aged men left in Forty Fort, for its defence, while our army marched out to 
meet the enemy. He was a magistrate under the laws of Connecticut. I have 
seen his commission^ signed in April, 1778, by John Trumbull, then governor 
of that .state. His eldest son Obadiah, was a lieutenant in the regular service, 
at that time under the command of Capt. Weisner, and was on ihe lines bsfore 
New York. But in the little band that marched forth on the 3d of July, were his 

* Since deceased. 



46 APPENDIX. 

sons Sairrael Gore, Daniel Gore, Silas Gore, George Gore, Asa Gore. The 
father in the fort ; and five sons marching out to the conflict ! nor was this all. 
John Murfee, who married a daughter of Mr. Gore, (the sister of those five 
brothers,) was also in the ranks; and Timothy Pearce, another brother-in-law, 
having ridden all night, came in, and joined our army in the battle field. Thus 
there were seven in the battle, while an eighth was in service with a regular 
army ; and it proved a most bloody and disastrous day to the family. At sun set- 
ting, five of the seven were on the field mangled corpses. Asa and Silas were 
ensigns, and were slain — George was slain, Murfee was slain. Timothy Pearce 
held a commission in the regular army, but had hurried in. He also was killed. 
Lieut. Daniel Gore was near the right wing, and stood a few rods below Winter- 
moot's Fort, close to the old road that led up through the valley. Stepping into 
the road, a ball struck him in the arm; tearing it from his shirt he applied a hasty 
bandage. Just at that moment Capt. Durkee stepped into the road at the same 
place. '' Look out !" said Mr. Gore; "there are some of the savages concealed 
under yonder heap of logs." At that instant a bullet struck Capt. Durkee in the 
thigh. When retreat became inevitable, Mr. Gore endeavoured to assist Capt. 
Durkee from the field, but found it impossible; and Durkee said, "Save yourself, 
Mr. Gore — my fate is sealed." Lieut. Gore then escaped down the road, and 
leaping the fence about a mile below, lay couched close under a bunch of bushes. 
While there, an Indian got over the fence and stood near him. Mr. G. said he 
could see the white of his eye, and was almost sure he was discovered. A mo- 
ment after, a yell was raised on the flats below, the Indian drew up his rifle and 
fired, and instantly ran off" in that direction. Though the w^ave of death seemed 
to have passed over and spent itself, yet Lieut. Gore remained under cover fill 
dusk, when he heard voices in the road near him. One said to the other, " It 
has been a hard day for the Yankees." " Yes," replied the other " there has 
been blood enough shed." He thought one was Col. John Bufler, but could not 
say for certain. After dark Mr. G. found his way to the fort, and met his brother 
Samuel, the only survivors of the seven. The distress of Mrs. Murfee was very 
great. She feared her husband had been tortured. When she learned he fell on 
the field, she was less distressed; and begging her way, among the rest of the 
fugitives, traversed the wilderness and sought a home in the state from which 
she had emigrated, having an infant born a few days after her arrival among 
her former friends. 

" What you tell rae of a whole family going out to battle, strikes me with sur- 
prise. Why did not each family furnish, one for the ranks, leaving the others to 
remain at home?" 

"Ah! from that question, it is evident, my friend, you do not yet fully comprehend 
the situation of the settlement. The men of war — those fit for the arduous duties 
of the battle field — had almost all been drawn away from Wyoming to Washing- 
ton's army. Left destitute of their natural defenders, when the enemy came, there 
was no choice — all who could bear arms were obliged to go. Thus whole fami- 
lies were in the action. And yet the numbers were too few, and the destruction 
was mournfully excessive. Have you a brother that you love? Can you con- 
ceive a father's aflection for his sons ? What must have been the feelings of Mrs. 
G. — what the agonizing sorrow of the father, when the tidings came that three of 
his sons had fallen, and that two of his daughters had become widows ! No 
tongue can tell — no pencil can paint — the sorrows and the suflerings of poor 
Wyoming; and all undoubtedly occasioned by drawing away the men raised 
here for its special defence. 

The mother of the Gore family survived to see her remaining children highly 
prosperous. Born in 1720, she lived until 1804, when she died at the house of 
her son in Sheshequin, aged 84 years. 

"If misfortune comes, she brings along 

The bravest virtues. And so many great 
Illustrious spirits have conversed with woe — 
Have in her school been taught — as are enough 
To consecrate distress, and make ambition 
Ev'n wish the frown beyond the smile of fortune." 



APPENDIX. 47 



NO. XXVIII. 
MRS. YOUNG. 

The papers have already mentioned the decease of Mrs. Young. But the 
public expect, and it seems fitting, that a more extended notice should be given 
of one so aged, and whose life was marked by so many vicissitudes. Her maiden 
name was Phebe Poyner. Her father was a Huguenot, who was compelled to 
leave France and come to this country, in consequence of persecution for reli- 
gious opinions. An active and intelligent man, he was a commissary in the old 
French war. The name of her mother was Eunice Chapman, a native of Col- 
chester, Conn., but married to Mr. Poyner at Sharon, Ninepartners, New York — 
where the subject of this notice was born, in 1750. Her father died of small-pox 
at Albany; and her mother married Dr. Joseph Sprague, a widower, who had 
several children by his first wife. The united families removed to Wyoming in 
1770 — Mrs. Young being then, of course, 20 years old. 

This may be regarded as the date of permanent settlements at Wyoming, 75 
years ago. What a change from that day to this? What scenes of joy and woe 
— of hope, pleasure and sorrow, have marked those years ! There were only 
five white women in Wilkesbarre township when she arrived; Mrs. M'Clure, 
wife of James M^Clure; Mrs. Sill, wife of Jabez Sill; Mrs. Bennett, grandmother 
of Rufus Bennett, the brave old soldier, who was in the battle, and still survives; 
another of the same name, wife of Thomas Bennett, mother of Mrs. Myers, still 
living, who gives so interesting an account of the entry of the Indians into Forty 
Fort, and a Mrs. Hickman. At Mill Creek, just above the large merchant mills 
of Mr. HoUenback, a fort was erected — containing, perhaps, an acre. A ditch 
was dug around the area — logs, 12 or 14 feet high, split, were placed perpen- 
dicularly in double rows, to break joints, so as to enclose it. Loop-holes to fire 
through with musketry were provided. There was one cannon in the fort, the 
only one in the settlement, until Sullivan's expedition in '79; but it was use- 
less, except as an alarm gun, having no ball. Within this enclosure the whole 
settlement was congregated ; the men, generally armed, going out to their farms 
to work during the day, and returning at night. The town plot of the borough 
had been laid out, but not a house built. It was a sterile plain, covered with 
pitch pine and scrub oak. Mr. John Abbott (who fell by the hands of the savages, 
the father of Mr. Stephen Abbott of Jacob's Plains) put up the first house, on the 
southwest corner of Main and Northampton streets. Mr., afterwards Col. Deni- 
son, and Miss Sill, were the first couple married at Wilkesbarre. The wedding 
took place at a house where the late Col. Wells' house stands. Mrs. M'Clure 
gave birth to the second child born here — a son. But let us look in upon them. 
The houses, store and sheds were placed around against the wall of timbers. 
Matthias HoUenback, then about 20, full of life and enterprise, had just come up 
the river with a boat load of goods, and opened a store of various articles exceed- 
ingly needed. — On the left was the house of Capt. Z. Butler. Next on the right 
was the building of Dr. Sprague, the physician of the settlement, and who kept 
a boarding-house. Here Mr. HoUenback and Mr. Denison had their quarters. 
Capt. Rezin Geer, who fell in the battle, was here. — For bread they used pounded 
corn: mills there were none; nor a table, nor a chair, nor a bedstead, except the 
rude maimfacture of the hour. Dr. P. would take his horse, with as much wheat 
as he could carr}', and go out to the Delaware to get it ground. A .bridle path 
was the only road, and 70 or 80 miles to mill was no trifling distance. The flour 
was kept for cakes, and to be used only on extraordinary occasions. But veni- 
son and shad were in abundance. All were elate with hope, and the people for 
a time were never happier. 

But sickness came. Zebulon, a son of Capt. Butler, died — two daughters of 
the Rev. Mr. Johnson; two men, Peregrine Gardiner and Thomas Robinson ; then 



48 APPENDIX. 

Lazarus Young, a brother of Mrs. Young's husband, was drowned in bringing up 
mill irons. Soon after, Capt. Butler and Mr. Young, her husband, were taken by 
the Pennymites and carried to Philadelphia, where they were bailed by friends 
and permitted to return. 

At this time the Indians were numerous around the settlement; some of them, 
belonging to the Moravian society, very orderly. Among them were Captain Job 
Gilliway and his wife Comfort. She could sew and do the work of white people. 
Black Henry and John Lystrom were also of the number; those were friendly 
and good neighbours. But at the breaking out of the war all left the country, 
went up the river and joined the Six Nations, to whom they were in a stale of 
vassalage. 

About two years the people made their head quarters at the fort ; then, be- 
coming numerous, and feeling secure, scattered over the valley. 

Dr. Sprague died in Virginia. A son of his fell in the battle. Mrs. Young's 
husband was up at the Narrows with Colonel Butler on the 1st of July, and was 
in the battle on the 3d, but escaped. — Mrs. Young was at her house in Han- 
over, where also were the wife of Col. Denison and her two children, (Col. Laza- 
rus Denison and Betsey, the late Mrs. Shoemaker). These three, with Mrs. 
Fitch, wife of Sheriff Jonathan Fitch, Mrs. Young and two children, making 
seven, took a canoe, managed by Levi Vincent, on hearing the dreadful issue 
and the approach of the enemy, and pushed off into the river, without provisions, 
to seek safety from the murderous tomahawk. Meeting a boat coming up with 
stores for Capt. Spalding's company, the sufferings of hunger were relieved, and 
the distressed fugitives, not knowing the fate of their friends, after a dangerous 
navigation of 120 miles, landed near Harrisburg, where they were hospitably 
received and kindly treated. Here they remained until SuUivan's array came to 
Wyoming and rendered it safe to return. 

But we are occupying too much space. As Mrs. Young was the last survivor 
of those who occupied the fort at Mill Creek, we thought her recollections of 
those ••rly scenes might not be inappropriate here in conveying information of 
bygone days — the enterprise, the toil and the sufferings of the pioneers in settling 
this charming valley. 

Mrs. Young was slender and extremely delicately formed. Intelligent, ob- 
serving, with a retentive memory, gTeat sprightliness and vivacity, and remark- 
ably cheerful, it was delightful to visit her. Young and old, for many years, 
seemed to take special pleasure in calling and chatting an hour. Of old times 
her memory was a full and perfect record. For several years she had been 
blind, and being feeble from great age, had been for a long time confined to the 
house. Yet a murmur or complaint never escaped her lips. Professing the 
Christian religion, being a member of the Episcopal Church, and reposing on 
the merits of a Saviour, her faith was perfect; and hence, in a great measure, 
that cheerfulness and resignation which rendered the advanced hours of life so 
serene, and her society so uniformly pleasant. Her mortal remains were gathered 
to her parent earth at the good old age of 89. She strongly felt, that 

"On a throne of love, where never 

Weeping misery pleads in vain, 
Mercy sits and smiles for ever, 

Soothing grief and healing pain." 

And with triumph may have said 

" Thrice welcome death, 
That after many a painful bleeding step, 
Conducts us to our home, and lands us safe 
On the long-wished for shore." 



/ 



APPENDIX. 49 

NO. XXIX 1 
THE DURKEE FAMILY. 



Major John Durkee had been in Col. Lyman's regiment at the taking of the 
Havana; he is named in our annals as heading a party of the first emigrants 
in 1769-70. Arrested by Capt. Ogden and sent to Philadelphia, several xnonths 
imprisonment extinguished his ardour for the settlement of Wyoming, and he re- 
turned to Norvrich. His name stands on the old records, as one of the original 
40 settlers in Kingston. On the breaking out of the Revolutionary war Major 
Durkee entered zealously into the contest. A paper published Sept., 1774, an- 
nounces, " On Sunday morning four hundred and sixty-four men, well armed 
and the greater part mounted on good horses, started for Boston, under the com- 
mand of Major John Durkee." Subsequently, in a subordinate station, he was 
with Putnam in the battle of Bunker Hill. Commissioned a colonel of the Connec- 
ticut line, on the continental establishment, this " bold Bean-hill man," as he was 
sometimes called, '' accompanied the army to New York, fought at Germantown," 
and continued to serve with reputation to the close of the arduous struggle. He 
died in Norwich at his residence on, or near Bean Hill, in 1782, aged 54 years. 
Military honours were accorded at his funeral, and the display on a similar occa- 
sion inthat city had never been surpassed. It is evident he left property in 
Wyoming. Thomas Dyer, Esq., many years afterwards, took out letters at Wilkes- 
barre, and administered upon his estate. 

That Robert Durkee, his brother, received a commission as captain of one of 
the Independent companies; that, when Congress refused, notwithstanding its 
solemn pledge to allow the soldiers to return to Wyoming, menaced as it was 
by impending danger, he, like Ransom, resigned his commission, and hastened 
home to defend his family; that he entered a volunteer into the battle and fell, 
is all on record. His residence was in Wilkesbarre on the main avenue, below 
Gen. Ross's farm. The ancient house is still standing — the property including 
the old stone wall near where the state road turns off. His widow married 
Capt. Landon, a respectable citizen of Kingston, and a surveyor. She died Sept. 
Sd, 1803, aged 65. Amelia Durkee, a daughter, resided on the farn;], and in 
August, 1804, married Philip Weeks (whose family were such terrible sufferers 
in the battle). Some years afterwards, they moved to Oquago; and so far as our 
knowledge extends the name in Wyoming has ceased to exist but in remembrance. 



NO. XXX. 

DR. SILL. 

Died, at Windsor, Connecticut, May 24th, 1845, Dr. Elisha Notes Sill, aged 84 
years. The middle name is derived from the family of Noyes, long distinguished 
in Connecticut, residing in Lyme, the birth-place of Dr. Sill. In 1770 he came with 
his father's family to Wyoming, being then a lad nine years old. They built the 
second house erected in Wilkesbarre, on the corner now occupied by the dwell- 
ing of the late Col. Welles, and here was the first wedding in the valley, the sister 
of Mr. Sill being married to Mr. Nathan Denison ; another sister was afterwards 
married to Capt. John P. Schott. In 1776 young Sill, then only 15, joined Capt. 
Durkee's company. The account of the Millstone battle, given by him to the 
writer (at Hartford, May, 1839) was this: "The two companies which were there 
alone, were out on parade, before sunrise — we saw the British coming over a rise 
of ground from towards Brunswick, artillery and infantry. Their numbers being 
too great, our companies retreated about half a mile. The enemy came out with 
a train of wagons for flour : we met Gen. Dickinson with the New Jersey Militia. 



50 APPENDIX. 

Our troops wheeled, and they returned together, attacked the British, the enemy 
were defeated, and we took a large number of wagons and horses. Porter of 
Ransom's company was killed." 

Marshall does not mention this gallant affair. Gordon has this imperfect sketch 
of it. 

" The royal troops were confined to the narrow compass of Brunswick and 
Amboy, both holding an open communication with New York, by water. They 
could not even stir out to forage but in large parties, which seldom returned with- 
out loss. January 20th, 3777, General Dickinson, with about 400 [300] militia 
and 50 [160] of the Pennsylvania Riflemen, defeated, near Somerset Court House, 
on Millstone river, a foraging party of the enemy, of equal number, and took 40 
Avao'ons and upwards of 100 horses, besides sheep and cattle, which they had 
collected. The enemy retreated with such precipitation, that he could take only 
nine prisoners; but they were observed to carry off many dead and wounded in 
lioht wagons. The general's behaviour reflected the highest honour on him; for 
tliouoh his troops were all raw, he led them through the river middle deep, and 
"ave^'the enemy so severe a charge that although supported by three field pieces, 
they gave way and left their convoy." 

Dr. Sill had a brother, named Shadrack, who was with him in the service, and 
continued after the consolidation in Spalding's company, to the close of the war; 
but his own youth, and extreme privation, with a severe attack of camp distemper, 
brought him to the verge of the grave; and he was permitted to return home on 
furlough. At the time of the invasion, he fled with the exiles; and in October, 
1779, removed to Connecticut, prepared himself for the practice of medicine, and, 
as a physician, as well as in the performance of the common duties of a citizen, 
lived a life of usefulness and has departed with the respect of all who knew him. 



NO. XXXI. 
JONATHAN FITCH, ESQ. 

Jonathan Fitch. Esq., for five years high sheriff of Westmoreland county, 
when jurisdiction passed to Pennsylvania, and the subsequent troubles became 
serious, removed to Binghamton, N. Y., and gave his name to a stream, near which 
he made his location. The fact of his passing through the wilderness at the time of 
the expulsion by the Indians, being the only man to protect a company of an 
hundred women and children, has been related. He was four times chosen 
member of Assembly to Hartford or New Haven, so that the two offices of sheriff, 
and representative to the legislature seem not to have been incompatible. 

The writer of the " Binghampton Annals," a work of much interest, thus speaks 
of him: In the summer of 1789 Jonathan Fitch setfled upon the creek that took 
his name. Mr. F. was from Wyoming and had been sheriff of the county. He 
was a man of considerable native talent, had m.ingled much with men of infor- 
mation, and was polished in his manners. He was the first representative to the 
state legislature from the county of Tioga. Subsequently he was judge of the court. 



NO. XXXII. 
THE ATHERTONS. 

Of the Athertons, there were two branches among the earliest setUers in 
Wyoming. In the Forty or Kingston list, the names of James and John Athertou 
are found. 

Of the very few names of the settlers in 1762-3, that I have been able to find, 
that of James Atherton appears as one. They were therefore the real pioneers in 
this distant settlement, and double sufferers. Undaunted, though his companions 



APPENDIX. 51 

fell around him by the merciless tomahawk, he returned. Among those who 
were slain in the battle, the name of Jabes Atherton is recorded. Their arms 
essayed with other patriots to defend their country. Their blood enriches its soil, 
and it is right to record that their descendants are in the full enjoyment of the 
fruits of their father's enterprise and toil, combined with their own prudence and 
labour. In passing through Kingston not far above the residence of Col. Denison, 
looking to the left you may see embosomed in trees in a most romantic situation, 
a neat dwelling, the farm house of a beautiful plantation. Intermarried with a 
daughter of the late Gen. Ross, here resides a descendant of one of the early set- 
tlers. The farm, extending from the river to the mountain, yields abundance to 
careful culture, and it is a pleasure to add that it is the seat of intelligence and 
hospitality. 



NO. XXXIII. 
BENJAMIN HARVEY. 

Benjamin Harvey was esteemed one of the most considerate, prudent men 
among those who first established themselves in the valley. His name is on the 
earliest list in the township of Plymouth. He emigrated from Lyme. New Lon- 
don Co., Conn., and was the intimate friend, and frequently the confidential ad- 
viser of Col. Butler, they having formerly been neighbours. He was often 
employed in situations of trust and delicacy, and his opinions were regarded with 
marked respect. 

He had three sons; the oldest, Benjamin, joined the Independent companies in 
1776, marched to the lines to join Gen. Washington, and died in the service. 
Silas, the second son, united with the little band that went out from Forty Fort 
and fell in the battle. Thus, the stern demands of relentless war had reft from 
the poor old man his two eldest boys, leaving but one as the stay and solace of 
his declining years. But the cup of vengeance, the bitter draught of war and woe 
was not yet exhausted. In December, 1780, the savages made an incursion into 
the valley, took seven prisoners from Shawnee, the old gentleman himself, and 
Elisha, his only remaining son, being two of the captives. Their sufferings in that 
inclement season, bound, loaded and driven several hundred miles through the 
wilderness to Canada, no pen can describe. 

It is wonderful that cold, toil, hunger, and anguish of mind, had not arrested 
the current of life, and left them a prey to the wolves. They survived, and 
returned, the old gentleman being earliest released, and Elisha at or near the 
close of the war. Under the despotic administration of Mr. Justice Patterson, 
in 1784, Mr. Harvey was cast into prison and treated with special indignity. 
'' Away with him (Samuel Ransom) to the guard house, with old Harvey, an- 
other damned rascal." 

Elisha intermarried with Rosanna Jameson, of the patriotic Jameson family, 
and the Rev. George Lane married their daughter. Jameson Harvey, their son, 
having opened an inexhaustible mine of anthracite in a rocky hiU, connected with 
the farm, and near the canal, has at his command a source of almost boundless 
wealth. Thus the clouds have dispersed, the sun come out from his hiding, and 
brightness and prosperity beam on the family which was so long and so deeply 
shrouded in woe. 



NO. XXXIV. 

CAPT. TIMOTHY SMITH. 

Capt. Timothy Smith, or as he is more frequently designated, Timothy Smith, 
Esq., seems to have been a leading man in the Susquehanna Company, at their 



52 APPENDIX. 

meetiijgs in Hartford, before settlements were made in Wyoming. Choosing 
Kingston for his residence, his name is recorded as one of the ''Forty/' or earliest 
settlers. The old Westmoreland records frequently contain his name, and it is 
evident, that he was an active, thorough business man, commanding confidence 
and respect. The sobriquet given him by the ancient people shows the estima- 
tion in which he was held. Of course all were anxious to induce the legislature 
of Connecticut to recognize the settlement on the Susquehanna, and extend her 
jurisdiction and laws therein. Among the agents sent out was Mr. Smith, and to 
his superior management they ascribed the success of this mission. "Hence," 
said Mr. John Carey, "the settlers gave him the name of ' old head.' " He was 
afterwards a member of Assembly to Hartford, and always conducted whatever 
affairs v/ere entrusted to him. with spirit and prudence; showing that he was a 
wise and safe counsellor, and an active citizen. His son, who inherited the pro- 
perty, Mr. John Smith, with other excellent properties, was a man of singular 
benevolence and an admirable nurse of the sick. When, in 1815, the typhus 
fever prevailed throughout the country, he threw himself in the midst of it, took 
the disease and died. Dr. John Smith, the grandson, retaining the old homestead, 
not long since prothonotary of the county, and a respectable physician, does justice 
to the talent of the public-spirited grandsire, and the excellent social qualities of 
the father. 



NO. XXXV. 
GENERAL SPALDING. 

Of Capt. Simon Spalding frequently spoken of in our narrative, I have several 
additional facts and anecdotes, from his son-in-law, Joseph Kingsbury, Esq., so 
pleasingly related, that I copy from his letter dated Sheshequin, Dec. 2d, 1841. 

"Gen. Simon Spalding was a native of Plainfield, Conn. — He was born in 
1741, married to Ruth Shepard in 1761, and died the '24th Jan., 1814, aged 73." 
[I may add, that frequently visiting Sheshequin from 1800 to 1812, I often saw 
General Spalding. He was a large man, of imposing and pleasing appearance. 
His merits and services deserve a much more extended memoir; and no one is 
more capable of doing justice to the subject than Col. Kingsbury.] " He was a cap- 
tain in the Revolutionary war, and frorn good testimony, I have no doubt but that 
he Avas a brave officer. But Gen. Spalding, as a captain in the war, never had justice 
done to him. The affair of Bound Brook was a performance of his. He re- 
covered the forage the British had gathered at the time, and took several prisoners. 
But just as the skirmish was over, and victory secured, an officer of superior 
rank came up (I forget his name) and to him was the honour of the victory 
given, when he had no more to do with it than you or I had. General Spalding 
first discovered this unjust account in Weems's little history of the Revolutionary 
war, and it mortified the real actor of the scene very much. 

" Gen. (then Capt. Spalding) was with Gen. Sullivan in his expedition into the 
Genessee country. In this tour he discovered, and took a fancy to Sheshequin. 
On his return to Wyoming he made known his intention to settle at this place. 
In 1783. in company with his family, and several of his neighbours at Wyoming, 
with their families, he removed from thence to Sheshequin. They arrived at this 
place on the 30th day of May. I have heard Gen. Spalding say, that the Indian 
grass, upon the flats at the time he came here, was as high as his head, when he 
sat upon a horse. These pioneers set fire to it, and such a fire was never seen 
before by any one present; it ran from one end of the interval to the other, a dis- 
tance of about four miles, and no doubt was very destructive to the animals which 
made their homes in its dense covers. 

" When the settlers took possession of Sheshequin, there were a few Indian 
families resident upon Queen Esther's Flats, and one family on this side of the 
river, bat none of any note among them. These Indians proved very friendly, 
and the next year mostly moved off to the west. 



APPENDIX. 53 

" Gen. Spalding was a man calculated to gain the love and esteem even of a 
savage. A better hearted man I was never acquainted with. He had a peculiar 
tact in pleasing the red skins, and usually, when passing through the place, on 
treaty business to Philadelphia, he would set some sporting on foot. I remember 
of hearing it told of a feat performed by a couple of these red skins, at a time when 
a large company of Indians were on their return from the citj- of brotherly love. 
They always made it a point to stop a night with their old friend, who never failed 
in providing them something to eat. At this time he selected out two long-legged 
hogs, from a company of half a score or more. He informed the chiefs that these 
two hogs were a present to them for supper and breakfast, on the following con- 
ditions, to wit. The chiefs were to select from their company two young Indians, 
who were to catch the hogs at fair running, and then they were theirs. This 
pleased the red skins very much. The young racers were selected, stripped bare 
to Indian leggins and breechclouts, armed each Avith a scalping knife. The hogs 
were turned loose upon the flats, and the sport began. Such ecstasy as the Indians 
were in, as well as the pale faces present, I expect from the account, does not 
often happen to any people. The hogs at first were too swiit on foot for the two- 
legged swine in pursuit. Once in a while the red skins would catch the hogs by 
•the tall, but in attempting to stop them, they were generally thrown down, some- 
times tumbling heels over head, and sometimes dragged for several rods, till they 
could hold on no longer; giving loose they were up and at it again. This sport 
lasted for three-quarters of an hour, when the fiercer brutes finally conquered. A 
fire was built, the hogs laid on Avithout any dresshig, roasted; and eaten with much 
satisfaction." 



NO. XXXVI. 
JOSEPH ELLIOTT. 

A VETERAN" distinguished for extraordinary services and sufferings, claims our at- 
tention. He is now, Jruie, 1845, living at Wyalusing, nearly 89 years old, having 
been born Oct. 10th, 1756. His father died in 1809 aged 97 years, so that the 
longevity of the family is extraordinary. They emigrated from Stonington to 
Wyoming in 1776. In 1777 Joseph Elliott was with the detachment of 80 men 
which ascended to Sheshequin under the command of Col. Dorrance., 

At the time of the invasion, he marched out to battle in Capt. Bidlack's company. 
Pressed by a las: superiority of numbers, his commander slain, he retreated with 
the rest, and was made prisoner. It was his fate to be dragged to the fatal ring, 
at Bloody Rock, where the savages, intoxicated with victory and excited by passion 
to wildest fury, glutted their thirst for blood. A circle was formed, two or three 
Indians holding or guarding each prisoner while the work of death went forward. 
Queen Esther raged like a demon. He saw six or seven murdered. A young 
man, Thomas Fuller, sprang to escape, shook off his guards, but was almost in- 
stantly overtaken, and tomahawked. The confnsion, the savage yells, the moans 
of his dying friends, the streams of blood, the scattered brains, for a moment stu- 
pefied him. With a ray of returning reason, he saw death almost in a moment 
certain, and he could but die. With the might of combined courage and despair, 
he threw off the Indians who held him, and at a spring leaped down the bank, 
turned off to the right a second, and at a bound cleared a fence, and fled to the river, 
several of the enemy in full pursuit. He had passed Monockasy Island, and en- 
tered the southern branch of the stream, when a bullet strack him in the left 
shoulder inflicting a grievous wound. Being compelled to steady his wounded 
arm, dangling by his side, with his right hand, he does not know how he swam 
the portion of the river, too deep to ford; but found himself on the bank, and took 
shelter behind a tree a moment to recover breath. His wound bled so profusely 
that his clothes became a burden, they were so saturated; but he at length arrived 



54 APPENDIX. 

at the Wilkesbarre fort, and Dr. Smith afforded his prompt and skillfal aid. Among 
those whom he could remember to have seen butchered, were Jeremiah Ross, 
Samuel and Joseph Crooker, Stephen Bidlack, and Peter Wheeler. 

It will be recollected that in Col. Franklin's account of events the day of the capitu- 
lation, Queen Esther headed the Indians, and with insolent pride said, "See here. Col. 
Denison, I told you I'd bring you more Indians." It is the opinion of Mr. Elliott, 
that her exasperation of passion was partly owing to this. Several Indian spies 
had been arrested, and were held prisoners in Forty Fort. Queen Esther had been 
down from her palace at Sheshequua to obtain their release, which Col. Denison 
had deemed it proper to refuse. In anger at her disappointment, she probably 
made the threat, which now she repeated in taunt. 

No sooner was Elliott recovered, and his wounded shoulder sufficiently healed, 
than he entered again upon acceptable services. On Sullivan's advance into the 
Indian country, a line of expresses, to connect with Wyoming, was established, 
when Mr. John Carey and Joseph Elliott were selected to perform the duty. And, 
says Mr. Elliott, '' after eighty days' constant service I was taken sick, and cannot 
tell what should be the cause, unless too often sleeping out in the wet, overdone 
with fatigue, and being very hungiy.'' Poor fellow ! It was cause enough. 

But Joseph Elliott was an actor in another trying scene. The making prisoners 
of all Ptosewell Franklin's family by the Indians, is related in the annals of 1782. His 
accountto us of the affair, so far as he was concerned, was this. Several parties were 
marshalled to pursue the savages. One of these assembled at Mill Creek, num- 
bering nine persons. They chose Thomas Baldwin to be their leader, and him- 
self to be second in command. Making their way up the river with all possible 
celerity, they were satisfied, when they reached the path on the mountain nearly 
opposite Frenchtown, that the enemy had not passed. Taking up a position on 
the hill which was deemed most eligible, being out of provisions, two of the men, 
expert hunters, went out for venison, when the Indians, thirteen in mmiber, with 
Mrs. Franklin, her babe, two little girls, and a boy about four years old, as prison- 
ers, were reported by the advanced sentinel to be near. To call in their scattered 
hunters was of course impossible. There they were seven to thirteen, and it was 
bravely resolved to give battle. The fire Avas sharp on both sides. Capt. Baldwin 
received a rifle ball in the hand which nearly disabled him, but Thomas Baldwin 
was every inch a soldier, and still exerting himself he led on and cheered his men. 
How near they were is evident, from the children knowing the voices of our party, 
and with instinctive sagacity they ran from the Indians, and clung to the knees of 
their friends. Mrs. Franklin, who had been ordered to sit still, raised her head, 
on hearing the joyous cry of her children, and the savages instantly shot her. 
Pressing forward, the Indians were compelled to retreat, leaving two or three of 
their number dead on the field. The iniknt was borne off in their flight, and its 
fate never known. The two little girls and younger boy were, after the burial of 
their mother, decently as circumstances permitted, brought safely to AVyoming, 
and restored to the arms of their father. Mr. Franklin had been with another 
party in eager pursuit, but had failed to find the enemy. Gen. Wm. Ross used to 
say, the batfle for Mr. Franklm's family was one of the best contested in Wyoming. 

Peace soon came, and Mr. Elliott was much in the employment of Judge Hol- 
lenback, who had the highest confidence in his faithfuhiess, and the veteran speaks 
of Judge H. in terms of warm commendation. 

A pension of 65 dollars a year, has contributed to render the evening of his daj's 
comfortable. Below the middle height, he was well built, and of that cast best 
shown by experience to be adapted to endure fatigue. June 25th, 1845, when we 
called pn the old gentleman to hear his narrative, he was at work in his garden. In 
early life Joseph Elliott must have been handsome, for, except the loss of his right 
eye, he still looks well. His face is round, and lighted up by a benevolent smile. 
Half his thin hair is sfill dark, and his manner mild and pleasing. But when he 
is in full tide, relating the events of battle, — "When the Indians came down on 
us like so many raging devils," age is forgotten, and he is full of animation. His 
habits have been simple, his life virtuous, his conduct in war meritorious as fide- 
lity and bravery could render it. He lives universally respected, and it is hoped 
may enjoy his pension these many coming years. W'ith pleasure we add that his 
son was, at the last session, a member of Assembly from Bradford county. 



APPENDIX. M 

Israel Skiiiner, M. D.. author of the Revolutionary War in rhyme, seems to have 
taken from the veteran's lips the account of his escape from the dreadful Ring^ 
which we quote. 

" Those who were taken by the Indians there. 

As Joseph Elliott doth to us declare, 

(Who did among the prisoners remain, 

And was one of those appointed to be slain,) 

Were taken to a certain spot of ground. 

And stripped, and in a ring arraigned around, 

As victims of their rage designed to be, 

A sacrifice to savage cruelty. 

A squaw, the Indians did Queen Esther call, 

Was set apart to tomahawk them all. 

This right to her perhaps they did extend. 

To make atonement for some slaughtered friend; 

Elliott says, five or six became a prey. 

In presence of him in his savage way; 

That he himself was in a stupid maze. 

When first he at their cruelties did gaze. 

But being roused in feelings at the sight. 

Bethought to struggle with his utmost might. 

Thinking at worst he could but fall a prey 

To savage vengeance while upon this way. ■"™ 

Two Indians holding him then quickly were 

By his puissant arm laid prostrate there ; 

Then he towards the river pressed his way. 

While missive weapons did around him play. 

And many of the savage Indian crew 

Did to the river's margin him pursue — 

But he before their frightful vengeance hied 

And plunged himself beneath the liquid tide, 

And diving on his way as he did flee 

Thereby to shun the savage enmity. 

But while the buzzing bullets dashed around 

In his left shoulder he received a wound. 

Which weakened him so much he thought it best 

When he approached the shore awhile to rest. 

When he had rested, he with all his force 

Leaped from the water and kept on his course ; 

When round the place a leaden shower did light 

Which made the liquid billows foam with white ; 

Yet notwithstanding those obstructions he 

Sprang up the bank and got behind a tree. 

When he his breath had gained and was revived, 

He urged his way, and to the Fort arrived, 

And there united with his friends again. 

And thus escaped the brutal savage train." 

The classical reader, while forming his own opinion whether in poetic charm 
there is anything equal in Homer or Virgil, will allow us to suggest, that we pro- 
bably have here a true narration of the facts of this marvellous escape. 



NO. XXXVII. 

MAJOR EZEKIEL PIERCE. 

Major Ezekiel Pierce, the father of the Pierce family, was the ready writer of 
early days, and for a succession of years clerk of the town, the Records being in 
his hand writing. He had five sons, all grown to manhood, when he removed to 
Wyoming, in 1771, and must therefore have been advanced towards the decline 
of life. Their names were Abel, Daniel, John, Timothy and Phineas. When in 
June 1778, the two Independent companies were consolidated into one under 



56 APPENDIX. 

Capt. Spalding, Timothy and Phineas were commissioned 1st and 2d lieutenants. 
Timothy was one of the three who rode all night, before the battle, arrived after 
the troops had marched out, followed, and fell. John also was slain in the en- 
gagement. Abel, the father of Mrs. Lord Butler, the writer knew, and remembers 
with respect and pleasure. He lost a son, Chester, just in the bloom of early man- 
hood, in the civil dissensions that succeeded the Revolutionary Avar. A daughter 
Mrs. Hoytj widow of the late Capt. Daniel Hoyt, of Kingstouj still lives, June, 1845, 



NO. XXXVIII. 

THE FINCH FAMILY. 

Three of the Finch family, John, Daniel, and Benjamin, were killed at the 
time of the invasion, two in the engagement, one murdered by the Indians, the 
day previous, near Shoemaker's mill. Our researches have not put us in possession 
of all the facts, in regard to this suffering family, that we desired. 



NO. XXXIX. 
THOMAS BROWN. 

The names of Thomas Brown and John Brown are in the list of slain. Thomas, 
in the retreat, had nearly crossed the river, another person being in company. 
Overtaken by the enemy he was induced* or forced to return, and on reaching 
the shore was instantly speared and tomahawked ; his companion witnessed the 
deed but escaped. The particulars of the fall of John we have not learned. 
Daniel Brown, a brother, was then a lad in Forty Fort. He now resides very in- 
dependently, near the Wyalusing, a neighbour to the gallant and fortunate Elliott, 
(who escaped from the fatal ring with Hammond,) having also near him, Mrs. 
Wells, who was a Ross, and several other of the ancient Wyoming people. 

One of the stoccades at Pittstoii Avas called Brown's Fort, that family having 
erected it on their own land. Though hot named, it is evidently referred to, in 
the dispatches of Col. John Butler, as one of the three that capitulated. Several 
of the descendants of those Revolutionary sufferers still reside on or near the 
Lackawana. 

* I say "induced or forced." The enemy, to make sure of the scalps of their victims, 
preferred alluring them to the shore, rather than to shoot them in the stream. Promises of 
life and protection were solemnly made, to be instantly and ruthlessly violated. After 
peace opened intercourse with Canada, Mr. Hollenback relates that he has seen Indians in 
their drunken orgies, act over the massacre. Their coaxing the Yankees ashore, and then 
the murderous struggle, the pleadings for life, "For Jesus Christ's sake," the savage 
demons would exclaim in broken English, with fiend-like exultation, until, he said, it was 
almost impossible to keep his hands off them. 



NO. XL. 

ASA AND JOHN STEVENS. 

Asa and John Stevens are named in the old records, as inhabitants of Wilkes- 
barre so early as 1772. Rosewell Stevens was one of the patriotic soldiers that 
entered the service in Ransom's Independent company. Asa Stevens was an 
officer holding the commission of lieutenant in the militia, and was slain in the 
battle. Like the Danas they were particularly distinguished by their zeal for the 



APPENDIX. Sf 

establishment of free schools, and the advancement of learning. This congeniality 
of sentiment led to the most intimate connection — Mr. Anderson Dana and Syl- 
vester Dana, Esq., marrying sisters of the Stevens family. Removing from Wilkes- 
barre, Jonathan Stevens, Esq., settled in Braintrim, and afterwards in Bradford 
county, where, on the organization of that county — having long exercised vidth 
intelligence and firmness the duties of a magistrate, he was appointed one of the 
associate judges. When the author had the pleasure of his acquaintance, thirty 
years ago, his manners were pleasing — he was intelligent, quick to observe, ready 
to communicate, and of a most extraordinary memory. His conversation was highly 
agreeable and instructive. 



NO. XLI. 

LIEUTENANT JAMES WELLES. 

Lieutenant James Welles is on the record of the honoured patriots, who fell 
in that disastrous battle, which filled Wyoming with lamentation and woe. 1 he 
family were the earliest settlers in Springfield, on the Wyalusing, from which on 
danger of the savages becoming immment, they removed to the more densely 
settled part of the country in the valley. Resuming the occupation of their property 
on the restoration of peace, the family became prosperous, and continue among the 
most respectable and independent inhabitants of that beautiful place, (formerly it 
will be remembered the residence of the Moravian missionaries and Christian 
Indians.) 



XLII. 
COREY AND BULLOCK. 

Of the Corey and the Bullock families, no longer residents of Wyoming, we 
have been able to learn much less than, fi-om their sacrifices and sufferings, could 
have been Avished. Amos and Asa Bullock were killed in the battle. One of the 
name, probably one of the brothers, who fell, was a lawyer ; the father resided at 
the meadows, six mUes on the Easton road, from Wilkesbarre, where the night 
and day, after the massacre, from the rushing in and departure of the fugitives, 
images of sorrow and despair, the dreadful uncertainity of the fate of his boys, 
the scene was inexpressibly distressing. Nathan Bullock, probably the father, was 
two years afterwards taken by Indians a prisoner to Canada. 

Three of the Corey family were among the victims of the rifle and tomahawk j 
Jenks, Rufus and Anson. The former was one of the original proprietors of Pitts- 
ton. It may be noted, as extraordinary, that three of the younger branches of the 
name came by melancholy accident to untimely deaths. One, being shot by a 
neighbour, mistaken for a deer. — ^One lumbering some years ago on the Lehigh — 
the other in the far western country, to which the remains of the family had emi- 
grated. The father died long since in Kingston, and his remains are buried on or 
near the spot -where the tavern stands on the north-east corner at New Troy. 



NO. XLIII. 

THE CHURCH FAMILY. 

The Church family came from Kent, Litchfield county. '-An abstract of the 
second Independent company raised in the town of Westmoreland, commanded 



5S APPENDIX. 

by Capt. Samuel Ransom," dated October 7th, 1777, contains the names of 
Nathaniel Church, John Church and Gideon Church. The present farm on the 
Kingston flats, opposite Mill Creek, was owned by. and the residence of Gideon, 
and the property now belongs to his son, Wm. Church. The readoF, familiar with 
old Indian wars, will remember the gallant and successful Captain Church, who 
was scarcely less distinguished than Mason, the hero of the Pequot conquest. There 
is no reason to doubt that the families were of the same original stock, that in a very 
early day emigrated from England. 

In the list of slain in the battle, furnished by Colonel Franklin, is the name 
of Joel Church, who also was the brother of Gideon. With many other Wyoming 
people, attracted by alluring accounts of the richness of western lands, several of 
the family removed to Ohio. 



NO. XLIV. 

CAPTAIN REZIN GERE. 

Captain Rezin Gere commanded the second or upper Wilkesbarre company 
on the fatal 3d.* He left three sons, the eldest only five years of age, to the care 
of his widow. Driven with her orphan children from the valley, their house and 
all their papers were consumed by fire. Too young to know their rights or to 
return and repossess their farm — the title papers being destroyed — the land of 
course went into other hands. Captain Jeremiah Gere, a highly respectable citizen 
of Susquehanna county, recently deceased, was one of the sons. The other 
brothers not long since visited Wyoming. '' We are becoming old and are poor," 
said they, '' our father fell, a commissioned officer, fighting the enemies of liberty 
and his country — we lost everything, even the land. Is there no redress ? Is there 
no aid to be obtained from the government of the country?" Their case seems 
one of great hardship. Is there one instance in a hundred in which Congress have 
granted lands or pensions where the claim was so strong as this"? 

* He was from Norwich, descended from one of the oldest families of that place. A 
Mr. Rezin Gere is named in its annals as living an hundred and fifty years ago. Capt Gere 
was aged 40 years at the time of his death. Stephen Gere, of Brooklyn, Susquehanna county, 
is the only son now living (June, 1845). 



NO. XLV.' 

PITTSTON. 

In Pittston the leading families, during the Revolutionary war, were the Blan- 
chards, Browns, Careys, Bennetts, Silbeys, Marcys, Benedicts, St. Johns,* Sawyers, 
not omitting the gallant Cooper. Observe that neat white house on the plain — see 
that white and tasteful dwelling on the hUl — ^both are occupied by the descendants 
of Cooper. The Rev. Mr. Benedict was the earliest minister there. Those hand- 
some buildings above Manockasy belong to the Blanchards. Captain Jeremiah 
Blanchard (the elder) commanded the Pittston company. Unjust censure was 
cast upon him by some querulous people, because he did not lead his men into 
battle. The failure to do so arose neither from want of courage nor patriotism. At 
the head of the valley, the enemy having possession of Wintermoot and Jenkins' 
Forts, both in sight and only separated from his stoccade by the river, he could not 
have gone with his men to Forty Fort without leaving the women, children, and 
everything under his care, to the exasperated fury of the savages. 



APPENDIX. if 

Zebulon and Ebenezer Marcy were brothers. The painfal circumstances con- 
nected with the flight of the wife of Ebenezer are elsewhere related. The case of the 
wife of Zebulon was still more distressing. She fled with an infant, six weeks old 
in her arms, at the same time leading a child two years older. The oldest died in 
the wilderness, and as there were no means to bury it decently, they covered it with 
moss and bark as well as they could, and hurried on, leaving its remains to the 
beasts of prey. The infant daughter, Mrs. Whitmore. formerly Mrs. M'Cord, is 
now (June, 1845) living in Wyoming county. Zebulon Marcy after the war, estab- 
lished himself on a fine farm, on theTunkhannock, where he exercised the duties 
of a magistrate for many years. On the 11th of September, 1834, he closed his 
eventful life at the advanced age of 90 years. 

Pittston, though not the most attractive in reference to soil, of the first five located 
townships, will probably prove the richest in the valley, from its position, its 
water power, and unbounded quantities of available anthracite. 

* Daniel St. John was the first person murdered after the capitulation. Pronounced by 
the old people Senshon. 



NO. XLVI. 
THE GAYLORD FAMILY. 

Emigrated at an early day to Wyoming, from Norwich. Justus Gaylord com- 
menced a settlement in Springfield, on the Wyalusing, before Indian hosfilities 
began ; but was obliged to remove down the river to the more densely populated 
country. 

When the independent companies were raised, two of his sons, Justus and 
Ambrose, enlisted in that of Captain Ransom, and served during the war. On 
the restoration of peace, the old gentleman and his son Justus resumed their pos- 
sessions at Wyalusing; while Ambrose established himself at Braintrim. 

Aholiab Buck, captain of the Kingston company, about a year before the battle, 
had married Miss York, born in Stonington. The (subsequently) Rev. Miner York 
was her brother. Mrs. Buck was in Forty Fort, having in her arms an infant 
daughter, a few weeks old, when her husband led his men to the field—no more to 
return. Their flight, their sorrows, their deep sufferings, so similar to those of 
hundreds of others, it would seem like repetition to relate. At the conclusion of 
the war, Justus Gaylord, Jr., and Mrs. Buck were married by the Rev. Mr. John- 
son. The author waited upon her, June 25th, 1845, and found the good old lady, 
now eighty-eight years of age, in fine health and spirits, the profusion of lace upon 
her cap speaking of habitual fondness for dress, her round, full face, and cheerful 
.smile indicating in early life, remarkable personal beauty. She had walked up a 
mUe to visit Mrs. Taylor, Avife of Major John Taylor, the daughter we have spoken 
of as being on her nursing bosom in July, 1778. Mrs. Gaylord never had but that 
one child. But Mrs. Taylor has counted seventeen, and near forty grandchildren, 
besides seven or eight great-great-grandchildren. So that, although the name of 
Captain Buck is not perpetuated, yet his descendants are now numerous, and 
" well to live." 

In 1806, Justus Gaylord, Jr., was on the ticket for assembly. Luzerne then 
embraced Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Bradford, except the Tioga district set off 
to Lycoming. The votes stood 

Justus Gaylord, Jr., 333 
Justus Gaylord, 38 

371 
Moses Coolbaugh 364 

So that if the votes given without the Jr. were added to his list, (his father being a 
very old man and not a candidate,) he was chosen. But the place had not charm 



60 APPENDIX. 

enough to induce the old soldier to contest the election, and Mr. Coolbaugh took 
the seat. The incident is mentioned to show the respect in which he was held, as 
well as to show the fact that less than 400 votes chose a member of assembly. 

The old gentleman removed with a son to the Ohio, where, at a very advanced 
age, he died. Justus died May, 1830, aged 73. 

Ambrose, who settled in Braintrim, married Eleanor Comstock, daughter of 
John Comstock, who came from Norwich west farms. Mr. Gaylord died June 12, 
1844, and had he lived to November, he would have been 95. His country had 
not entirely forgotten him, for his old age was cheered by a pension of 80 dollars. 
His good wife Eleanor, with whom we spent an hour, now (June, 1845,) 82 
years of age, appears of perfectly sound mind and memory. She states that her 
father and two brothers were in the battle, she living in Forty Fort. Her two bro- 
thers, Kingsley and Robert, were kiUed. Her father, exhausted in the flight, threw 
himself beside a fallen tree. Presently two Indians sprang upon it, intent on 
those at a distance, and, on stepping down to pursue, bent the bushes so as to 
brush him. When night came, he found his way to the fort. 

Another branch of the name settled in the lower part of Wyoming. The father 
of the late Charles E. Gaylord, Esq., of Huntington, died while in the service, hav- 
ing been a member of Captain Durkee's company. Lieutenant Aaron Gaylord, 
one of the officers who fell in the battle, was his brother. 

In the queer poem, the American Revolutionary War, in rhyme, I find : 

" Next Aaron Gaylord unto death did yield. 
With Stoddart Bowen on the tented field." 

Dr. Charles Gaylord studied medicine after the war with Dr. Henderson, a dis- 
tinguished physician of Connecticut, in compliment to whom he gave that name 
to his son, the present merchant in Plymouth. Dr. Gaylord died in 1839, aged 69 
years. 

Four, therefore, bore arms for their country, one of whom died in the service, 
and one fell in batttle. 



NO. XLVII. 
JOSIAH ROGERS 

Removed with his family to Wyoming, and settled at Plymouth in 1776. After 
the massacre, with his family he fled, taking his course down the Susquehanna 
two days' journey ; thence across the mountains towards Northampton or Berks. 
Exhausted by fatigue, and heart-stricken with terror, Mrs. Rogers fainted upon the 
journey ; and notwithstanding the utmost aid was administered their poor means 
afforded, she died in the ivilderness^ many miles from any human habitation. This 
was July the 9th, 1778. Husband and children gathered round to look upon the 
pale face of one who in life they had loved so fondly. It was a scene of inex- 
pressible sorrow. A broken piece of board that lay in the path was used for a 
spade, and in a hollow where a fallen tree had upturned its roots, a shallow grave 
was dug, and her remains were buried with all the care and respect their dis- 
tressed condition would allow. On the board placed over the grave, this inscrip- 
tion was written with a piece of charcoal : 

'^ Here rest the remains of Hannah, wife of Josiah Rogers, who died while 
fleeing from the Indians after the massacre at Wyoming." 

Frail memorial of reverence and love ! yet how slightly more endurable, hav- 
ing reference either to time or eternity, are the costliest monuments that ostenta- 
tious pride, or heartfelt grief, have ever erected, to perpetuate what the inexorable • 
law of nature has prescribed shall be forgotten ! 

The deceased was aged 52 years. Her maiden name was Hannah Ford. . 

On arriving at the settlement near the Blue Mountain, the same sympatliy and 



APPENDIX. 61 

kindness were extended to them which the Wyoming people had -uniformly ex- 
perienced from the benevolent Germans. After an exile of some months, the 
survivors of the famUy returned to Plymouth, where danger still awaited them. 

That the old gentleman was a humourist will be seen from the account given of 
his hair-breadth escape from Indian captivity or death. His descendant, Dr. Joel 
J. Kogers, is the narrator. 

'-In the spring of 1779, the next year after the massacre, Josiah Rogers, 

my great-grandfather, having returned, said, '■ I will lay my bones in Wyoming.' 
Indians had not for some time been seen in the valley, and Capt. James Bidlack 
with Mr. Rogers, started on horseback to go to Plymouth to see, if eligible to re- 
move with their families. After crossing the river some eighty rods below the pre- 
sent bridge, they passed up the road, on the township line, until they were near 
Toby's creek, where an Indian appeared and rushing towards them from behind 
the willows, would have seized their bridles. He was instantly followed by others, 
and the trembling willows then disclosed the cove of the creek above them red 
with Indians. But a Yankee, though an old man, don't give up, you know, with- 
out showing his skill. They were unarmed, but they wheeled their horses sud- 
denly, and made towards the block house on the bank of the river. Capt. Bidlack's 
saddle having an old girth, which broke, turned and precipitated him to the 
ground. And now came a race ; Bidlack after Rogers! But stepping on a rail, 
(laid over a slough,) which turned with him, Capt. Bidlack fell and was imme- 
diately taken prisoner. Now floAv the lead — and now flew my grandfather's old 
horse, which, as the old gentleman used to say, 'didn't like the smell of an In- 
dian.' One savage, fleet of foot, came very near his horse but did not quite 
reach him, another was but a few rods behind. He grew quite familiar with the 
whizzing of balls, but felt no wound. 

'' The garrison at the block-house, on hearing the firing, advanced to the rescue. 
The cannon at the Fort in Wilkesbarre, of which the Indians were terribly afraid, 
was brought to bear, and discharged towards them, arresting their progress. My 
great-gTandfather wore a tight-bodied coat, and an over coat of the same cloth, 
made of wool-coloured, one part butternut, the other blue, homespun, woven, 
and dressed, &c. (homespun, you understand) . Coming to a new comitry, he 
expected to preserve them unsullied for many years, when, alas ! on arriving at 
the block-house, he found the rascals had cut two holes through his over-coat, 
passing in near the small of the back on one side, coming out eight inches from 
it on the other, with a rent of a fingers' breadth in his tight-bodied coat. For 
many years he was compelled to wear, when abroad and at meeting, the evidence 
of Indian skill in shooting at a mark." 

The capture of young Josiah Rogers (with Pike and Van Campen) is related in 
our annals. 

Josiah Rogers lived to the good old age of 96 years, and died in 1815, his wish 
being accorded " to lay his bones at Wyoming." 

The family were highly respectable, and remarkable for their intelligence. 
Numbers of the name still reside in the lower part of Wyoming. 



NO. XLV. 

COLONEL ZEBULON BUTLER. 

As the biography of Washington is the story of the Revolution, so the life of 
Col. Zebulon Butler is the History of Wyoming. Almost every letter of our annals 
bears the impress of his name, and is a record of his deeds. A liberal and natural 
curiosity would lead to the desire, to learn something of the early life of a man so 
distinguished — for he was in full manhood when he made his first appearance on 
the waters of the Susquehanna. A native of Lyme, New London County, Zebu- 
lon Butler was born in 1731. From the neat hand-writing and business style of 



62 APPENDIX. 

John Butler, his father, it may be inferred that the education of the parent had not 
been neglected. It would seem probable that both parents came from England. 
A bill of exchange drawn in favour of Jacob Hurd, on Mr. Samuel Storke, for £80 
sterling, in February, 1746, would show business transactions of some importance 
abroad. Another paper leads to the conclusion that the sum was part of a legacy 
to Mr. John Butler's wife, of several himdred pounds. In an old bUl, 

John Butler to Jacob Hurd 
Is charged, cash paid, £190 — Gold ear rings, — A gold ring, — Several ounces of 
silver, — A note of hand for £300, payable six months after date, and cash in fall, 
— With various other charges amounting to £710 IO5. 

On the breaking out of what is usually called "the Old French War," Zebulon 
Butler entered the military service of his country, bearing the commission of en- 
sign, in one of the Provincial companies, raised by Connecticut for the crown. On 
the northern frontier, particularly at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, his ambition 
was soon gratified, by entering upon a field of stirring and honourable action. So 
early as 176 1, he had attained the rank of captain, and the following year sailed with 
his company on the memorable expedition to the Havana. In the perils, the glory 
and the acquisitions of the capture of that important place. Captain Butler shared. 
Whether his future companions in arms, Captains Durkee and Ransom, served as 
subordinates in these early campaigns, is not certainly known, but is rendered pro- 
bable from the fact that both were officers in the Old French War, and the three 
were in the Wyoming conflicts, early associated in friendship and action together. 

Peace was concluded with France, and in 1763, the Provmcial troops were 
disbanded. The emigration of Captain Butler to Wyoming in 1769, and stibse- 
quent events, in which he bore a part up to the Revolutionary War, have been fully 
narrated. Soon after the contest with Great Britain commenced, Captain Bufier 
received the appointment of lieutenant colonel of a regiment in the Connecticut 
line of the army, and in September, 1778, he " was appointed full colonel to the late 
Charles Webb's regiment, against the will of Lieutenant Colonel Sherman, who 
intended to have had the regiment." This extract of a letter from Colonel Thomas 
Grosvenor, dated 1778, is regarded as important, because it shows the excellent 
standing and popularity of Colonel Butler, the fall immediately after the massacre, 
when time sufficient had elapsed for the country and constituted authorities per- 
fectly to ascertain the merits or defects of his conduct on that memorable and 
trying occasion. When it is recollected that Lieutenant Colonel Sherman, his com- 
petitor for the office, was the brother of the distinguished Roger Sherman, and that 
Colonel Butler was absent while his rival was upon the ground, the commission 
reflects more than common honour upon the recipient. A brief note to that letter 
in the hand- writing of Colonel W}dlys, among the most able and excellent leaders 
in Connecticut, though not very important in the matter contained, is copied because 
it shows the kind and respectful feelings, at that interesting moment, that prevailed 
in respect to Colonel B. 

" Colonel Wyllys desires his best compliments to Colonel Bufler and would have 
written, but hopes Mr. Gore will give him an account of our present situation, and 
as Mr. G. sets out in the mornmg begs the colonel to accept this 

From his humble servant 

Samuel Wyllys." 

After being withdrawn from Wyoming, Colonel Butler served with honour to the 
close of the contest, and when the army was disbanded, returned to his residence 
in Wilkesbarre, where he passed the remainder of his life, the prudent but steady 
supporter of the rights of the settlers, looking confidently to the justice of Pennsyl- 
vania to settle the existing controversy by an equitable compromise. Such was 
the estimation in which he was held that in 1787, on the estabhshment of Luzerne, 
he received from the Supreme Executive Council the honourable appointment of 
lieutenant of the county, which he held until the oflSce was abrogated by the 
new constitution of 1790. 

On the 28th of July, 1795, aged 64 years, this gallant soldier and estimable 
citizen resigned his breath to God who gave it, and his remains were interred in 



APPENDIX. 63 

the graveyard iir Wilkesbarre. Among other marks of respect paid to his memory, 
a monody of a dozen verses was written, one of which was urscribed on his tomb-, 
stone. 

" Distinguished by his usefuhiess 
At home and when abroad 
In comt, in camp, and in recess 
Protected still by God." 

Colonel Butler was thiice married. First to Miss EUen Lord before his emigra- 
tion from Connecticut. The fruit of this union was two children. The late Gen. 
Lord Butler and Mrs. WeUes, consort of the late Roswell Welles, Esq., a lawyer of 
handsome talents and attainments, who in his day, was judge of the court, colonel of 
a regiment, and several times member of Assembly. One daughter of Judge Welles 
is living, Mrs. Harriet Cowles, consort of Colonel Cowles, of Farmington, Comiecti- 
cut. Lord had mtermarried with the daughter of Abel Pierce, Esq. Their sons,, 
several of whom are now living, are Pierce, John, Chester, Zebulon and Lord. 

Pierce is a farmer on the fine plantation running from the river a few rods 
above the bridge to the village of Kingston. The Rev. Zebulon Butler is the 
esteemed pastor of a Presbyterian congregation at Port Gibson, Mississippi. John, 
Chester and Lord, residing in Wilkesbarre, are amongst its most active business 
men. Sylvina, the eldest daughter, several years since deceased, was the wife of 
the Hon. Garrick Mallery. Ruth Ann, the second daughter, is married to the Hon. 
John N. Conyngham, president judge of this judicial district. Phebe, married to 
Dr. Donalson, has removed with her husband to Iowa. 

The second wife of Colonel Butler was Miss Joluison, daughter of the first Gospel 
minister of Wyoming. Their union was brief, and a son, the late Captain Zebulon 
Butler, their only child. Of dark complexion, his black eye, when cheerfully ani- 
mated, was briUiant and pleasmg. This son was handsome, and from his extremely 
fine form, he was eminently attractive. His step was elastic but firm, his head 
erect, his carriage noble. It was said he was proud. In command of his company 
on parade, he looked •' every inch a man." Honourable, generous, high-spirited, 
he seemed to pant for a wider field, and more exciting scenes of action. In rolling 
the bullet, and other athletic exercises, he had no superior. The writer knew, 
admired and esteemed him. He was cut off in the prime of life, and his numerous 
and interesting family are widely scattered: it is hoped prosperously situated. 

While on duty at West Point, near the close of the war. Colonel Butler married 
his third wife. Miss Phebe Haight. Three children, by this marriage, survive. 
Stuben Butler, Esq., of Wilkesbarre, some time since commissioner of the county, 
and for many years editor of the Wyoming Herald. Lydia, who intermarried with 
George Griffin, Esq., of New York. The late Rev. Edmund Griffin, whose accu- 
rate and extensive learning, and briUiant talents, gave promise of unusual useful- 
ness and fame, and whose early death was so deeply lamented, was the grandson 
of Colonel Butler. Mrs. Robinson (whose late husband, Mr. John Robinson, was 
a direct descendant of the pilgrim minister) , is the third child. Their only daughter 
intermarried with H. B. Wright, Esq., recently Speaker of the House of Assembly. 
We cannot refrain from the remark, that it is at once curious and pleasing, that two 
Speakers of the House, and two president judges, have been so intimately con- 
nected with the ancient Wyoming sufferers. 

The distinguishing traits of Colonel Butler's character were activity, energy, a 
high sense of honour, a courage moral and professional, that, when duty called, 
knew no fear. 



64 APPENDIX. 



WYOMING MASSACRE. 

The Ballad which follows, composed soon after the battle, has never be- 
fore, that I can learn, appeared in print. Mr. Joel J. Rogers, to whom I 
am indebted for this interesting rehc of the olden time, says, " Written by- 
Mr. Uriah Terry, of Kingston — so says my father. Copied by Uncle Jo- 
siah from a manuscript, Dec. 20, 1785. Sixty years ago." These " uncouth 
rhymes" which 

" Implore the passing tribute of a sigh," 

I cannot doubt will be acceptable to the antiquarian. 

1 . Kind Heaven, assist the trembling muse, 

While she attempts to tell 
Of poor Wyoming's overthrow, 
By savage sons of heU. 

2. One hundred whites, in painted hue, 

Whom Butler there did lead, 
Supported by a barb'rous crew 
Of the fierce savage breed. 

3. The last of June the siege began, 

And several days it held. 
While many a brave and valiant man 
Lay slaughtered on the field. 

4. Our troops marched out from Forty Fort, 

The third day of July, 
Three hundred strong, they march along, 
The fate of war to try. 

5. But oh ! alas ! three hundred men, 

Is much too small a band. 
To meet eight hundred men complete, 
And make a glorious stand. 

6. Four miles they marched from the Fort 

Their enemy to meet. 
Too far indeed did Butler lead, 
To keep a safe retreat. 



APPENDIX. 65 

7. And now the fatal hour is come— , 

They bravely charge the foa, 
And they with ire, returned the fire, 
Which prov'd our overthrow. 

S, Some minutes they sustained the fire. 
But ere they were aware 
They were encompassed all around 
Which prov'd a fatal snare. 

9. And then they did attempt to fly. 
But all was now in vain, ; 
Their little host — by far the most — 
Was by those Indians slain. 

10. And as they fly, for quarters cry ; 

Oh hear ! indulgent Heav'n ! 
Hard to relate — their dreadful fate, 
No quarters must be given. 

11. With bitter cries and mournful sighs 

They seek some safe retreat, 
Run here and there, they know not where, 
Till awful death they meet. 

12. Their piercing cries salute the skies — 

Mercy is all their cry : 
"Our souls prepare God's grace to share. 
We instantly must die." 

13. Some men yet found are flying round 

Sagacious to get clear ; 
In vain to fly, their foes too nigh ! 
They front they flank and rear. 

14. And now the foe hath won the day, 

Methinks their words are these : 
" Ye cursed, rebel, Yankee race, 
WiU this your Congress please?" 

15. " Your pardons crave, you them shall have, 

Behold them in our hands ; 
We'll all agree to set you free, 

By dashing out your brains. ' 

E 



APPENDIX. 

16. "And as for you, enlisted crew, 

We'll raise your honours liigher : 
Pray turn your eye, where you must lie. 
In yonder burning fire." 

17. Then naked in those flames they're cast, 

Too dreadful 'tis to telly 
Where they must fry, and bum and die. 
While cursed Iiidiaas yell. 

18. Nor son, nor sire, these tigers spare,' — 

The yoTith, and hoary head. 
Were, by those monsters murdered therCy 
And numbered with the dead. 

19. Methinks I hear some sprightly youth,. 

His mournful state condole : 
" O, that my tender parents knew,. 
The anguish of my soul. 

20.. " But O ! there's none to save my life^ 
Or heed my dreadful fear ; 
I see the tomahawk and knife, 
And the more- glittering spear. 

21, "When years ago, I dandled was 

Upon my parent's knees, 
I little thought I should be brought 
To feel such pangs as these. 

22, "I hoped for many a J03rful day, 

I hoped for riches' store — 
These golden dreams are fled away ; 
I straight shall be no more. 

23, " Farewell, fond mother ; late I was, 

Locked up in your embrace ; 
Your heart would ache, and even break. 
If you could know my case. 

24, " Farewell, indulgent parents dear, 

I must resign my breath ; 
I now must die, and here must lie, 
In the cold arms of death. 



APPENDIX. 67 

25. " For O ! the fatal hour is come, 

I see the bloody knife,— 
The Lord have mercy on my soul!" 
And quick resigned his life. 

26. A doleful theme; yet, pensive muse, 

Pursue the doleful theme: 
It is no fancy to delude, 
Nor transitory dream. 

27. The Forty Fort was the resort, 

For mother and for child, 
To save them from the cruel rage. 
Of the fierce savage wild. 

28. Now, Avhen the news of this defeat, 

Had sounded in our ears, 
You well rnay know our dreadful woe, 
And our foreboding fears. 

29. A doleful sound is whispered round, 

The sun now hides his head ; 
The nightly gloom forbodes our doom, 
We all shall soon be dead. 

30. How can we bear the dreadful spear, 

The tomahawk and knife ? 
And if we run, the awful gun, 
Will rob us of our life. 

31. But Heaven! kind Heaven, propitious power! 

His hand we must adore ; 
He did assuage the savage rage. 
That they should kill no more. 

32. The gloomy night now gone and past, 

The sun returns again, 
The httle birds from every bush, 
Seem to lament the slain. 

33. With aching hearts and trembling hands 

We walked here and there. 
Till through the northern pines we saw, 
A flag approaching near. 



APPENDIX. 

34. Some men were chose to meet this flag, 

Our colonel was the chief, 
Who soon returned and in his mouth, 
He brought an ohve leaf. 

35. This olive leaf Avas granted life, 

But then we must no more 
Pretend to fight with Britain's king, 
Until the wars are o'er. 

36. And now poor Westmoreland is lost, 

Our forts are aU resigned, 
Our buildings they are all on fire, — ■ 
What shelter can we find ? 

37. They did agree in black and white, 

If we'd lay down our arms. 
That all who pleased might quietly 
Remain upon their farms. 

38. But O ! they've robbed us of our all, 

They've taken all but life, 
And we'll rejoice and bless the Lord, 
If this may end the strife. 

39. And now I've told my mournful tale, 

I hope you'll aU agree. 
To help our cause and break the jaws 
Of cruel tyranny. 





'^!ih.-j')fa^n€ri;M>Lh.-i0,iJt..'OJ.C.'iet^.-!aS^'^i£^.7'zuaaiip. 



THE WYOMING IVIONLIVIENT 



JJtV</^/02'^M? 



APPENDIX. 69 



THE MONUMENT. 



" Death is the worst — a fate that all must try — 
And for our country 'tis a bliss to die: 
The gallant man, though slain in fight he be, 
Yet leaves his nation safe, his children free; 
Entails a debt on all the grateful state — 
His own brave friends shall glory in his fate; 
His wife live honour'd; all his race succeed. 
And late posterity enjoy the deed." 

Iliad, Book, 15, v. 580. 

Not doubting it will prove a subject of interest to naany readers, and perhaps be 
a. matter of useful reference hereafter, we proceed to place on record the measures 
adopted to procure the erection of a monument over the remains of those patriots 
who fell in the battle, and the steps which were taken to obtain from Connecticut 
some mark of recognition and regard in requital for the sufferings of the Wyoming 
people in her cause. 

So early as 1809, 36 years ago, several essays were published intended to 
awaken public attention to the fitness of erecting a monument over the remains of 
those who fell in the battle. Among others, it being the second or third written 
by the author of this work, the following appeared m the Wilkesbarre paper of 
Nov. 3d of that year. 

"THE WYOMING MASSACRE. 

" Alas I — the horrors of that bloody scene are stiU fresh in my recollection. 
The time that has passed since that fatal day seems only like a dream of the night, 
and aU the circumstances of the battle rise on my memory like the events of yes- 
terday. I behold our little band of warriors, fuU of ardour, marching forth to the 
engagement ; I see the commander, firm and steady, cheering the soldiers to do 
their duty like men, worthy of themselves and Avorthy of their country. I well 
remember, on the mommg of the battle, an old man — God bless his memorj^, for he 
was a brave one — who insisted on joining the litde band of patriots. He had fought 
under Wolfe at Quebec, and had approved himself a soldier, but age had unnerved his 
arm, and the frosts of seventy winters had whitened his locks like the snows tfiat 
crown the summit of Cotopaxi. Two of his sons had already joined the troops ; 
a younger one of seventeen was preparing to follow. The drum sound'e'd the 
alarm, the hum of active preparation arose from the camp ; the old man's eye 
beamed with the ardour of the warrior; his soul swelled with the proud hope that 
he could be useful to his country; he seized his rifle, and vain were the entreaties 
of his son: his daughter dissuaded him in vain; he rushed to the camp resolved 
to conquer or to perish. The battle raged on our right. Brandt with his savage 
myrmidons poured from the thicket that flanked our left wing; vain wfere all our 
eifbrts to bear up against the vast superiority of munbers. Like a torrent from the 
mountain swelled with ceaseless rain, pouring with irresistible fuiy on the vaUey. 
so poured forth the herds of savages from their coverts on our devoted left, until 
retreat was hopeless and victory impossible. Fickle fortune smiled for awhile on 
our right. There the gallant Butler, cool and intrepid, directed the storm. He rode 
steadily in our front, pressed on the foe, and victory hovered over and fanned liim 
with her pinions. But alas, unsustained, every effort was vain, and the reluctant 
retreat was forced by a prudent affection for the safety of the troops that were left. 
Then followed all the fary of savage warfare. Fiends seemed to have joined the 
engagement. I still hear the savage yell rise and mingle with the groans of the 
dying. I see the spear gleam dreadful, as it flies and "arrests its victim. I saw 



70 APPENDIX. 

the old man turn like a wounded panther on the foe ; three savages fell by his 
arm, but a fourth cleft his white locks : he died gloriously. Ruin wide and awful 
extended o'er the plains. The flames of our habitations rose and threw a lurid 
light athwart the gloom of the evening. But dreadful was the night that followed. 
The fearfol anxiety of the friends of those who went to battle, the agonizing cries 
of those who had fallen alive into the hands of the savages, the horrors of the mid- 
night sacrifice, all form a scene that, even at this distant day, the mind cannot con- 
template without horror. 

'' Few only escaped the slaughter. Many were the brave men who fell. Never 
have I rested in quiet since that day, because no testimonial of respect has been 
paid to the memory of the slain. Now since it is proposed to raise a monument 
over them do I rejoice. Our old men will be glad that those who fell in the cause 
of freedom are not unregarded. Our young men shall gather round the tomb ; 
reflect on the virtues of their fathers ; their souls shall catch fire as at the altar — 
they shall swear a new devotion to liberty, and new fealty to their country. Thus 
shall the monument do justice to the memory of departed patriots. 

"The old shall be gratified; the young shall be inspired — I will give my mite 
with pleasure. Where is the patriot who will not?" 

Subsequently, in March, 1810, an irregular ode, of soul-stirring interest, under- 
stood to be from the pen of Charles F. Wells, Esq., was published. 



"WARRIORS OF WYOMING, 

"0! haughty was the hour, 
The hum, the brave array, 
When sallied forth Wyoming's power, 
Upon the battle day. 

" But soon, when hemmed by sudden foes, 
They gathered round to fight and die, 
! horrid was the shout that rose. 
And long and deep the dying cry. 

" Fierce was the fight of strong despair 
And fierce the savage yell. 
And dreadful was the carnage where 
The warriors of Wyoming fell. 

" No shouting of victorious pride 

Deceived the brave man's dying breath, 
But murder rag'd on every side, 
And heavy blows, and blood and death. 

" 0, gloomy was the day. 

When the widow'd mother heard 
The roar of battle die away, 

And no returning band appeai-^d. 

" No more their burnmg hamlets gleam^ 
Along the narrow heath, 
Nor stretching o'er the midnight streani;. 
Reflect the fire of death. 

" No more their litfle fort around. 

The warriors of Wyoming throng, 
They sleep beneath the fi-ozen ground 
Where the wind howls loud ajid long. 



APPENDIX. tl 

*' And there the pausing traveller finds 
No grave stone rising nigh, 
Where the taU grass bends and the hollow winds 
May eddy round and sigh. 

'' 0, when shall their silent home 
Its mournful glory gain ! 
The voUied roar and muffled drum. 
In honour of the warrior slain ? 

'' 0. when shall rise, with chisel'd head, 
The tall stone o'er their burial place, 
Where the winds may sigh for the gallant dead 
And the dry grass rustle round its base V 

Meetings were held and resolutions adopted favourable to the object, but the 
people, poor, and mdebted for their land, were not able to meet the expense. Nor 
will tliis be regarded censurable or strange when it is recollected that the Bunker 
Hill Monument, located in the richest and most populous part of the Union, has 
but recently been completed. 

Subsequently, irregular and yet inefficient movements were made to the end in 
view, and much of the granite hewn and drawn to the sacred spot, where (through 
the instrumentality of an old settler) the long forgotten place of interment had been 
discovered. 

Public attention having in 1839 been awakened to the claims of Wyoming upon 
Connecticut, a committee was appomted by a meeting of ancient sufferers to 
repair to Hartford and solicit of the Assembly aid to finish the monument. 

Confident m the justice of a much larger claim of right upon Connecticut, the 
committee, consisting of Gen. Wm. Ross, Capt. Hezekiah Parsons and Charles Mi- 
ner, all natives of that state, repaired to Hartford. Their petition was presented 
by Lafayette S. Foster, Esq., one of the representatives from Norwich, and a joint 
committee of the Senate and House appointed for its consideration. After an elo- 
quent appeal by Isaac Toucey. Esq., a report was made unanimously in favour of 
the grant of $3000 asked. In the House it was most ably supported by Mr. Foster, 
assisted by Dr. Woodward and several other gentlemen, but rejected, between 
sixty and seventy members voting in its favour. Gov. Ellsworth had expressed 
his individual wishes that something should be given, and the committee, from 
the favourable impression made, and the mass of mteresting matter found at Hart- 
ford, returned, entertaining confident expectations that a succeeding Assembly, 
would grant the prayer of the petition. 

In May, 1841, a new memorial was presented to the assembly : Chester Butler, 
and Henry Pettebone, Esqrs., and Capt. H. Parsons, who were appointed a com- 
mittee for that purpose, having repaired to Hartford. The grounds of claim are 
set forth in the following propositions. The facts being undeniable, the public will 
judge of their weight : 

" First. Because Wyoming was settled under the authority of Connecticut, as 
part of the state, under her charter, in the assertion and defence of her claims 
west of New York. 

^'Second. Because Connecticut extended her laws here, claimed jurisdiction, 
collected taxes, authorized the election of representatives to her assembly, and, in- 
deed, recognized this town to be, what it really was, a part and parcel of" the state. 

" Thirdly. Because the troops raised in Wyoming in the Revolution were con- 
sidered as Connecticut troops — credited as part of her line on the Continental 
establislrment — makmg up part of her quota required by Congress, and rendering 
efficient and honourable service to the state during the war. 

" Fourthly. Because, while these services were thus rendering, and allegiance 
cheerfully accorded, the parent state, from its distance and other causes, could 
not, and did not, perform its correlative duty of protection^ and guard Wyoming 
from the danger that menaced her. 



72 APPENDIX. 

" Fifthly. Becaiise the able-bodied men of the settlement being drawn away in 
her Ime of the army — the people being unprotected, the British and savages came 
down, slaughtered many of her inhabitants — devastated the whole settlement with 
fire and sword, to the total loss of houses, barns, cattle, and the year's harvest — to 
the utter ruin of every thing but the naked soil. 

'' Sixtlily. Because, discouragmg as^the circumstances were, the survivors re- 
lumed to Wyommg — renewed the settlement, and persevered in maintaming the 
claims of Coimecticut, under her chartered limits, to her western lands. 

•• Seventhly. Because, in the final adjustment of her land claims, Connecticut 
retained, or obtained, the Western Reserve in Ohio, embracing 120 miles in longi- 
tude west of Pennsylvania, by a degree and two minutes of latitude, containing 
five millions of acres of land — a territory larger than the whole present limits of 
the state; of which Reserve, if it belonged originally to Connecticut, Westmoreland or 
Wyoming, as a part of the state, might reasonably have claimed a share ; and if it 
be regarded as a grant for revolutionary services and suffermgs, the claim of Wy- 
oming would be stronger stiU. 

^' Eighthly. Because Coimecticut appropriated five hundred thousand acres of the 
Reserve to indemnify the sufferers of Groton, New London, Fairfield, Danbury 
and New Haven, cut off by the common enemy, and appropriated nothing to 
Westmoreland, the greatest sufferer, and not the least meritorious. 

'^ And ninthly. Because it was owing, in a great degree, to the early, persevering 
efforts of the Wyoming settlers to sustain the chartered and territorial claims of the 
state west of New York, that the Western Reserve was finally secured to Coimec- 
ticut. 

•' Therefore, be it Resolved, That while we are not disposed to go back into those 
old claims, however clear and strong in equity and justice we may regard them, 
yet, as it is undeniable that those who fell m the battle were citizens of Connecti- 
cut, fighting in defence of her rights and laws ; that they were her own children, 
most of them natives of the state ; and while it is but a reasonable mark of re- 
spect that their remains should be gathered and decently interred with suitable 
sepulchral honours, it seems to us but right that the state should make an appro- 
priation to finish the monument in a plain but neat style, worthy of her justice and 
fl-f their merits and sufferings. If granted, we will receive the donation with grate- 
ful hearts, in full and perfect absolution of all other demands existing, or Avhich 
might be supposed to exist, against the state on the part of the people of Wyo- 
ming." 

Without taking the yeas and nays, the House by a large majority voted to grant 
tlie $3000 asked for the monument, but the Senate did not concur. A farther effort 
was made the succeeding year, when the Hon. C. D. Shoemaker, accompanied by 
Col. Miller Horton, attended on behalf of the ancient people; but their eflbrts were 
imavailing, and there, in relation to Connecticut, the claim for aid rests, except 
tJiat Erastus Ellsworth, Esq., of Windsor, to his honour be it spoken, sent us a pre- 
sent of Five dollars, after the rejection of the petition, expressing his deep sym- 
pathy for the Wyoming sufferers, and his respect for the services rendered by them 
to the state and country. 

All the efforts of the Gentlemen having- failed, the Ladies formed a "Luzerne 
Monumental Association ;" solicited donations, held fairs, and by superior energy 
and address, obtained the necessary funds and completed the monument. 

The following is a list of the officers of the association : Mrs. C. Butler, Presi- 
dent. Mrs. G. M. HoUenback, Mrs. E. Carey, Vice Presidents. Mrs. J. Butier, 
Mrs. Nicholson, Mrs. HoUenback, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Conjaigham, Mrs. 
Beaumont, Mrs. Drake, Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Carey, Executive Committee. Miss 
Emily Cist, Treasurer. Miss Gertrude Butler, Secretary. Mrs. Donley, Mrs. L. 
Butler, Corresponding Committee. 

On two marble tablets are engraved the names of those (so far as could be as- 
certained) who fell, and also those who, having been in the battle, survived, but 
the list must necessarily be very incomplete. And another tablet contains, from 
the pen of Edward Mallery, Esq.. the following chaste, beautiful, and apposite 
inscription. 



APPENDIX. 73 

'^Near this spot was fought, 
On the afternoon of Friday; the third day of July, 1778, 

THE BATTLE OF WYOMING, 

In which a small band of patriot Americans, 

chiefly the undisciplined, the youthful, and the aged, 

spared, by inefficiency, from the distant ranks of the republiCj 

led by Col. Zebulon Butler, and Col. Nathan Denison, 

With a courage that deserved success, 

boldly met and bravely fought, 

a combined British, Tory, and Indian force 

of thrice their number. 

Numerical superiority alone gave success to the invader, 

And wide-spread havoc, desolation and ruin 

marked his savage and bloody footsteps through the valley. 

THIS MONUMENT, 

commemorative of these events, 

and of the actors in them, 

has been erected 

over the bones of the slain. 

By their descendants, and others, who gratefoUy appreciated 

the services and sacrifices of their patriot ancestors." 

A suitable enclosure remains to be erected, which, we trust, will early be ac- 
complished. 



INDIAN ELOaUENCE. 

PublisJied to illustrate the character of the Iroquois^ who held dominion over Wyoming, 

Perhaps we cannot present the reader with a greater orator than Garangula; 
or, as he was called by the French, Grand Gueule, though Lahontan, who knew 
him, wrote it Grangula. He was by nation an Onondaga, and is brought to our 
notice by the manly and magnanimous speech which he made to a French ge- 
neral, who marched into the country of the Iroquois to subdue them. 

In the year 1684, M. Be la Barre, Governor-General of Canada, complained to 
the English at Albany, that the Senecas were infringing upon their rights of trade 
with some of the other more remote nations. Governor Dungan acquainted the 
Senecas with the charge made by the French governor. They admitted the fact, 
but justified their course, alleging that the French supplied their enemies with 
arms and ammunition, with whom they were then at war. About the same time 
the French governor raised an army of 1700 men, and made other " mighty pre- 
parations " for the final destruction of the Five Nations. But before he had pro- 
gressed far in his great undertaking, a mortal sickness broke out in his army, 
which finally caused him to give over his expedition. In the mean time, the 
Governor of New York was ordered to lay no obstacles in the way of the French 
expedition. Instead of regarding this order, which was from his master, the Duke 



74 APPENDIX. 

of York, he sent interpreters to the Five Nations to encourage them, with offers 
to assist them. 

Be la Barre, in hopes to effect something bj' this expensive tindertaking, crossed 
Lake Ontario, and held a talk with such of the Five Nations as would meet him. 
To keep up the appearance of power, he made a high-toned speech to Grangula, 
in which he observed, that the nations had often infringed upon the peace ; that 
he wished now for peace ; but on the condition that they should make full satis- 
faction for all the injuries they had done the French, and for the future never to 
disturb them. That they, the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas, and Mo- 
hawks, had abused and robbed all their traders, and unless they gave satisfaction 
he should declare war. That they had conducted the English into their country to 
get away their trade heretofore, but the past he would overlook, if they would 
offend no more; yet, if ever the like should happen again, he had express orders 
from the king, his master, to declare war. 

Grangula listened to these words, and many more in the like strain, with that 
contempt which a real knowledge of the situation of the French army, and the 
rectitude of his own course, were calculated to inspire ; and after walking several 
times round the circle formed by his people and the Fiench, addressing himself 
to the governor, seated in his elbow chair, he began as follows: — 

'• Yonnondio, [such was the general name for the French Governors of Canada.] 
I honour you, and the warriors that are with me likewise honour you. Your in- 
terpreter has finished your speech. I now begin mine. My words make haste 
to reach your ears. Harken to them. 

" Yonnondio. You must have believed, when you left Quebec, that the sun had 
burnt up all the forests, which render our country inaccessible to the French, or 
that the lakes had so far overflown the banks, that they had surrounded our castles, 
and that it was impossible for us to get out of them ; yes, surely you must have 
dreamt so, and the curiosity of seeing so great a wonder has brought you so far. 
Now you are undeceived, since that I, and the warriors here present, are come 
to assure you that the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas and Mohawks are 
yet alive. I thank you, in their name, for bringing back into their country the 
calumet, which your predecessor received from their hands. It was happy for 
you that you left under ground that' murdering hatchet that had been so often dyed 
in the blood of the French. 

'■'■Hear, Yonnondio. 1 do not sleep; I have my eyes open; and the sun, which 
enlightens me, discovered to me a great captain at the head of a company of 
soldiers, who speaks as if he were dreaming. He says, that he only came to the 
lake to smoke on the great calumet with the Onondagas. But Grangula says, that 
he sees the contrary; that it was to knock them on the head, if sickness had not 
weakened the arms of the French. I see Yonnondio raving in a camp of sick 
men, whose lives the Great Spirit has saved by inflicting this sickness on them. 

" Hear, Yonnondio. Our women had taken their clubs, our children and old men 
had carried their bows and arrows into the heart of your camp, if our warriors had 
not disarmed them, and kept them back, when your messenger Akouossan came 
to our castles. It is done, and 1 have said it. 

'■■Hear, Yonnondio. We plundered none of the French but those that carried guns, 
powder and balls to the Twightwies, and Chictaghicks, because those arms might 
have cost us our lives. Herein we follow the example of the Jesuits, who break 
all the kegs of rum brought to our casfle, lest the drunken Indians should knock 
them on the head. Our warriors have not beaver enough to pay for all those 
arms that they have taken, and our old men are not afraid of the war. This belt 
preserves my words. 

" We carried the English into our lakes, to trade there with the Utawawas and 
Quatoghies, as the Adirondaks brought the French to our castles, to carry on a 
trade which the English say is theirs. We are born free. We neither de- 
pend ON Yonnondio, nor Corlear, [the English.] We may go where we please, 

AND CARRY WITH US WHOM AVE PLEASE, AND BUY AND SELL WHAT WE PLEASE.* If 

* This proud declaration of Independence accords with, and sustains the opinions ex- 
pressed by us in our Indian narrative. 



APPENDIX. 75 

your allies be your slaves, use them as such ; command them to receive no other 
but your people. This belt preserves my words. 

" We knocked the Twightwies and Chictaghicks on the head, because they 
had cut down the trees of peace, which were the limits of our country. They haye 
hunted beaver on our lands. They have acted contrary to the customs of all In- 
dians, for they left none of the beavers alive; they killed both male and female. 
They brought the Satanas into their country, to take part with them, after they had 
concerted ill designs against "us. We have done less than either the English or 
French that have usurped the lands of so many Indian nations, and chased them 
from their own country This belt preserves my words. 

^^ Hear J Yonnondio. What I say is the voice of all the Five Nations. Hear what 
they answer. Open your ears to what they speak. The Senecas, Cayugas, 
Onondagas, Oneidas and Mohawks say, that when they buried the hatchet at 
Cadarackui in the presence of your predecessor, in the middle of the fort, they 
planted the tree of peace in the same place; to be there carefully preserved, that, 
in the place of a retreat for soldiers, that fort might be a rendezvous for merchants: 
that, in place of arms and ammunition of war, beavers and merchandize should 
only enter there. 

" Hear, Yonnondio. Take care for the future, that so great a number of soldiers as 
appear there, do not choke the tree of peace planted in so small a fort. It will be 
a great loss, if, after it had so easily taken root, you should stop its growth, and 
prevent its covering your country and ours with its branches. I assure you, in 
the name of the Five Nations, that our warriors shall dance to the calumet of peace 
under its leaves; and shall remain quiet on their mats, and shall never dig up the 
hatchet, till their brother Yo7ino7idio or Corlear shall either jointly or separately en- 
deavour to attack the country which the Great Spirit has given to our ancestors. 
This belt preserves my words, and this other, the authority which the Five Nations 
have given me." 

Then addressing himself to the interpreter, he said: '^Take courage. You have 
spirit; speak, explain my words, forget nothing ; tell all that your brethren and 
friends say to Yonnondio, your governor, by the mouth of Grangula, who loves 
you, and desires you to accept of this present of beaver, and take part with me in 
my feast, to which I invite you. This present of beaver is sent to Yonnondio, on 
the part of the Five Nations." 

-De la Barre was struck with surprise at the wisdom of this chief, and equal 
chagrin at the plain refutation of his own. He immediately returned to Montreal, 
and thus finished this inglorious expedition of the French against the Five Nations. 

Grangula was at this time a very old man, and from this valuable speech we 
became acquainted with him — averyNestor of his nation — whose powers of mind 
would not suffer in comparison with those of a Roman or a more modern senator. 
He treated the French with great civility, and feasted them with the best his 
country would afford, on their departure. — Drake. 



WYOimG CLAIM ON CONGEESS. 

As a matter of historical interest, and because the subject may still be regarded 
as pending before Congress, this memorial is published, not without the hope that 
the National Legislature may yet be persuaded to take the case under their favour- 
able consideration. 

Memorial to Congress in behalf of Wyoming. 
At a meeting held by Public Notice at the house of Wm. H. Alexander, in 



76 APPENDIX. 

Wilkesbarre, November 7th, 1837, — of a number of sufferers at Wyoming during 
the Revolutionary War, their descendants and others : 

Gen. WILLIAM ROSS was called to the Chair, and 

ANDERSON DANA appointed Secretary. 

CHESTER BUTLER, Esq., from the Committee appointed at a former meeting 
for that purpose, reported a memorial to Congress which was adopted ; and it was 
ordered that the same be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, in behalf of the 
Meeting, and be forwarded for presentation. 

To the Honourable, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in 

Congress assembled: 

By order of a public meeting, held at Wilkesbarre, Luzerne county, Pennsylva- 
nia, the subscribers present you the following memorial in behalf of the Wyoming 
sufferers, during the Revolutionary war, their heirs, widows, and legal represen- 
tatives. 

The circumstances of the invasion of the Wyoming settlement by the British and 
Indians; the battle and massacre; the entire expulsion of the inhabitants; the conflagra- 
tion of their dwellings, and the devastation of their lields — are presumed to be familiar 
to all of you. In the annals of that fearful but glorious conflict, not a page re- 
counts a livelier devotion to the cause of liberty, or depicts a bloodier field, deeper 
woes, or more extensive losses of property. Every historian who has written 
an account of the Revolutionary war, has told the story of her sufferings. All 
America and Europe were filled, at the time, with the melancholy details. It is 
not our purpose to awaken your sympathies; but so much we thought proper to 
say by way of introduction. We would address facts to your reason, and argu- 
ments to j^our understanding; looking to your deliberate judgments for a favour- 
able response to our petition. 

The Wyoming settlements were made under the authority of Connecticut. A 
town called Westmoreland was erected here, attached to the county of Litchfield, 
near three hundred miles distant, the laws of Connecticut prevailed. Civil and mili- 
tary officers derived their commissions from that state. Representatives were sent 
from here to her legislature ; and the troops raised in Westmoreland were part o f 
the Connecticut line on the Continental establishment. Several towns of Connect- 
icut were burnt by the enemy: New London, Danbury, Westmoreland, Fairfield, 
Groton and others, were among the number. Connecticut has made all those 
towns, except one, full and ample remuneration for their losses. Westmoreland, 
or Wyoming, alone received nothing. Five hundred thousand acres of land, in 
the Western Reserve, were granted in 1792 to those towns, valued at 65. %d., a 
French crown, per acre — amounting to between five and six hundred thousand 
dollars. This was a beneficent act on the part of Connecticut, and will redound 
in all future time to her honour. Was not the grant also just as well as beneficent? 
Did not the recipients deserve — were they not entitled to this grant?- Was not 
their claim founded in the principles of eternal equity and everlasting justice? 
Who ever heard a doubt expressed of the righteousness of their claim? If, then, 
it was just and equitable that New London, Danbury, Fairfield and those other 
towns should be indemnified, is it not clear as demonstration, that Westmoreland, 
or Wyoming — where a heavier sacrifice of life, far deeper personal sufferings, and 
more extensive losses were sustained, was also entitled to remuneration? 

We anticipate here, that honourable members may say — " Your claim is doubt- 
less just. — Standing on its own merits of services, suffcririgs and losses, it is a strong 
claim; and when it is considered relatively to those other towns of Connecficut, 
provided for, it appears of unquesfionable validity. But when your parent state 
was making so ample provision for others similarly situated, why did you not 
then apply to her for aid? While we admit the claim just, we cannot see as 
yet, how the general government can be held liable to make you compensafion." 
To this we would reply with all truth and simplicity: 

The reason why no provision was made for Westmoreland is simple and 
easily told. — About the conclusion of the war, by the decree of Trenton, which 
settled the long existing controversy in respect to these lands, the jurisdiction over 



APPENDIX. 71 

Westmoreland ceased in Connecticut, and was transferred to Pemisylvania. It 
was not until about ten years after this event that Connecticut so far recovered her 
resources as to be able to make remuneration to those sufi'ering towns which she 
indemnified. Being no longer a portion of the state, no provision was made for 
us, as there doubtless would have been, had Westmoreland continued a com- 
ponent part of Connecticut. 

Pennsylvania, with a liberality and public spirit most honourable to her patriot- 
ism and justice, has granted ample rewards to officers and soldiers of her line, 
and to others, whose sufferings and merits in the cause commended them to her 
consideration. Not having been harmoniously a part of Pennsylvania, but main- 
taining an attitude of opposition, if not of hostility, during, and indeed for some time 
after the war, it could not be asked or expected that she would make good the losses, 
or grant rewards for the sufTerings of the Wyoming people. So that, to use a com- 
mon but expressive phrase, " between two stools we came to the ground." More- 
over, the disasters of the war utterly prostrated the people of Wyoming. Most of 
our natural guardians and protectors were slain, and amongst them many of our 
chief men; widows and orphans, aged or very young men, destitute and poor, 
constituted our chief population. The unhappy dispute, since, so satisfactorily 
adjusted by our present parent and protector, noble and hberal Pennsylvania, still 
continued, as you doubtless know, to perplex and impoverish us. To obtain '' this 
day our daily bread," occupied the thoughts and exertions of us all, and no appli- 
cation was made to Connecticut to share in the bounty she was liberally dis- 
pensing. But we ask your patience while we show, as we are sure we can, that 
to the general government we have a right fairly to look for aid. The services 
performed, the sufferings endured, and the losses sustained were all in the public 
service, for the general cause. They all tended to the great end of accomplishing 
national independence, which has brought prosperity so unbounded to our beloved 
country. All the debts founded on contract having been paid, CongTess have re- 
cently, with just and liberal hand, been meting out to claimants, not hy contract, 
but in equity^ liberal rewards for services 'performed^ sufferings endured, or losses sus- 
tained. In those three particulars, no claim can be stronger than that of Wyoming. 

Moreover, there is a strong point which we mean to indicate, but not to argue, 
which statesmen, familiar with the springs of events, will judge whether it has 
truth for its foundation. About the close of the war, when the issue was certain, 
and a great empire of independent and powerful sovereignties was taking rank 
among the nations, it was deemed of the utmost importance that all dispute about 
territory and jurisdiction should be put to rest. Powerful states were to be con- 
ciliated by the favourable adjustment of their claims. Indemnifications were to 
be allowed to others. Little would those patriots have deserved the award we all 
yield their wisdom and sagacity, if they had not adopted proper measures to 
harmonize conflicting interests, and to consolidate the union. How far the national 
policy we speak of influenced the various measures and final decision which con- 
firmed to Pennsylvania the whole extent of her chartered limits, and granted to 
Cormecticut an indemnification in Ohio, we need not here demonstrate. Certainly 
that policy was, in a national point of view, wise — a benefit to Connecticut — a 
blessing to Pennsylvania; and if, for the common good, it excluded Westmoreland 
from a participation with other towns indemnified, is it not right that the common 
purse should afford her such remuneration as may be just? 

Again — The old continental Congress passed a resolution, Oct. 10, 1780, in which 
it was declared, in reference to the unappropriated lands which may be ceded to 
the United States, "that the necessary and reasonable expenses which any particu- 
lar state shall have incurred since the commencement of the present war, in sub- 
duing the British posts, or in maintaining forts and garrisons within and for the de- 
fence of, or in acquiring any part of the territory that may be ceded or relinquished 
to the United States, shall be reimbursed.'^ Although the words of the resolution do not 
reach us, we do respectfully suggest, that its spirit makes strongly in favour of the 
Wyoming claim. 

During the revolutionary war, Wyoming stood an extreme frontier — an outpost 
on the borders of the settlements of the savage enemy. To Sunbury, the nearest 
inhabited place down the Susquehanna, it was sixty miles; through the Great 



78 APPENDIX. 

Swamp it was sixty miles ; a pathless wilderness to Bethlehem or Easton. The 
warlike and bloody Mohawks, Senecas, and others of the Six Nations, occupied 
all the upper branches of the Susquehanna, and were within a few hours sail of 
our settlements, which were exposed to constant attacks. Our pathways were 
ambushed, and midnight gleamed with constant conflagration of our dwellings. 
Thus exposed we stood as a shield to all the inhabitants below us. In this situa- 
tion every man might justly be regarded as on duty continually. Every man 
might have been considered as enlisted for and during the whole war. There was 
no peace, no security at Wyoming. The husbandman took his hoe in one hand 
and his rifle in the other, to his cornfield. Several forts Avere built and garrisons 
steadily maintained. Such was the case with Jenkins's Fort, Forty Fort, and the 
fort of WUkesbarre. This was done by the people, by the militia, by common 
consent and common exertion.* Three hundred miles from Connecticut, it was 
vain to ask assistance from her, exerting every nerve as she was for the common 
defence and for the protection of her extensive and exposed sea board. If states 
which ceded lands were entitled to be reimbursed for keeping up forts, we submit 
whether a people situated like those of Wyoming, may not properly ask for reim- 
bursement — since not only themselves, but a wide extent of country below, slept 
in comparative security through their position and exertions'? 

But Congress early saw and felt for the extremely exposed situation of Wyo- 
ming. On the 23d August, 1776, resolutions were entered into, of which one is 
in the following words : ''That two companies on the continental establishment 
be raised in the town of Westmoreland, and stationed in proper places for the defe^ice 
of said toivn and parts adjacent, till further orders of Congress." The Monday fol- 
lowing, August 26, " Congress proceeded to the election of sundry officers, when 
Robert Durkee and Samuel Ransom were chosen captains of the two companies 
ordered to be raised in Westmoreland ; James Wells and Perrin Ross first Lieuten- 
ants ; Heman Swift and Matthias HoUenback ensigns of said companies." Thus 
the general government — the continental Congress, took the special defence of Wy- 
oming into their own hands. They were satisfied, it seems, that the militia, how- 
ever well organized, were not sufficient for its defence. A regular force was 
deemed necessary, and orders were issued for raising that force "for the special 
defence of that town and parts adjacent." By another clause it was provided that 
the men thus raised should be liable to serve in any part of the United States. 
This provision, notwithstanding they were raised expressly "for the defence of the 
inhabitants, '' &c., was perfectly proper ; for if the savages on the upper waters of 
the Susquehanna should be driven off by a force from Albany or elsewhere, so 
that the source of impending danger should be removed, there was nothing more 
proper than that those companies, being no longer needed for the defence of the 
inhabitants, should be marched elsewhere at the discretion of Congress. Impe- 
rious necessity, however, almost immediately induced Congress, without the im- 
plied contingency of the proximate enemy being removed, to call their services 
in another quarter. On the 25lh October, 1776, the batfle of White Plains was 
fought, and Washington retreated. November 16, Fort Washington surrendered 
to the enemy, who immediately pushed his victorious troops in pursuit of the 
American army, and on the 2d December his excellency retired through Prince- 
ton to Trenton, Lord Cornwallis pushing upon his rear. "The army," says Mar- 
shall, " at no time during the retreat, exceeded four thousand men, and on reach- 

* Extract from the Westmoreland records. 

At a town-meeting legally warned and held in Westmoreland, Wilkesbarre district, Au- 
gust ye 24th, 1776, Col. Butler was chosen moderator for ye work of ye day. 

Voted, It is the opinion of this meeting that it now becomes necessary for ye inhabitants 
of this town to erect suitable fort or forts, as a defence against our common enemy. 

August 28th, 1776, this meeting is opened and held by adjournment. 

Voted, Ye three field officers of ye regiment of this town be appointed as a committee 
to view the most suitable places for building forts for ye defence of said town, and deter- 
mine on some particular spot or place or places in each district for the purpose, and mark out 
the same. 

Voted, That the above said committee do recommend it to the people in each part as 
shall be set off by them to belong to any fort, to proceed forthwith in building said fort, &c. 
without either fee or reward from ye said town. 



APPENDIX. 79 

jng the Delaware was reduced to less than three thousand, of whom not quite one 
third were rnililia of New Jersey." " The commander-in-chief found himself at 
the head of this small band of soldiers, dispirited by their losses and fatigues, re- 
treating almost naked and barefoot in the cold of November and December, before 
a numerous, weU appointed and victorious army." 

On the 12th December, Congress passed a resolution setting forth that, '-whereas 
the movements of the enemy have rendered this city (Philadelphia) the seat of war," 
&c., they resolved to adjourn to meet at Baltimore. The same day they adopted 
the following resolution : '' Eesolved, that the two companies raised in Westmoreland 
be ordered to join Gen. Washington with all possible expedition." 

Thus within less than four months from the first order to raise these companies, 
and probably within less than ninety days from their enlistment and organization, 
the extreme and pressing exigencies of the general cause required that they should 
be withdrawn from the country they were raised to defend, to aid Washington in 
resistmg the alarming advances of the enemy. 

The consequences which followed it required but little sagacity to foresee. Sti- 
mulated to revenge by the aid sent from Wyoming to Washington; incited by the 
consequent weakness of the settlements to attack them ; and urged by policy to 
compel the withdrawal from the commander-in-chief of part of his men, by forc- 
ing them home to defend their own firesides — the enemy was not long in planning 
their attack. 

The British having gained possession of Philadelphia, inevitable necessity did 
not allow his excellency to dispense with the services of the Westmoreland com- 
panies, but the reiterated rumours of preparations to attack Wyoming, again en- 
gaged the attention of Congress. They saw, felt, and acknowledged its exposed 
situation; but while the heart was assailed, and the whole force of the country 
was concentrated for its protection, little aid but encouraging words, could be af- 
forded to the threatened extremities. In March, 1778, about ninety days before 
the invasion, Congress resolved " That one fuU company of foot be raised in the 
town of Westmoreland on the east branch of the Susquehanna for the defence of 
said town and the settlements on the frontiers, and in the neighbourhood thereof, 
against the Indians and other enemies of the state; the said companies to be 
enlisted for one year from the time of their enlistment, unless sooner discharged 
by Congress." That "i/te company find their own arms, accoutrements ^ clothes and 
blankets,'^ and provision was made that these should be paid for. 

Thus a third company was raised in this infant and small settlement, having to 
clothe and arm themselves, if they could, and an exhausted treasury promised to 
repay the charge. This company was in the battle, and almost literally annihi- 
lated. 

On the first of July, 1778, Col. John Butler, of the British army, with 400 men 
regulars and tories, and with 500 Indian warriors, entered the valley of Wyoming. 
Rumours of the meditated eruption had preceded them, and pressing solicitations 
had been sent to head-quarters. A number of the officers of the two companies 
had returned on furlough. The militia were mustered. Old men and boys took 
their muskets. Retirement or flight was impossible. There seemed no security 
but in victory. Unequal as was the conflict, and hopeless in the eye of prudence; 
the young athletic men fit to bear arms, and raised for their special defence, 
being absent with the main army; yet the inhabitants, looking to their dependent 
wives and litfie ones, took counsel of their courage, and resolved to give the ene- 
my battle. On the third of July, about 400 men under the command of Col. Zebu- 
Ion Butler, marched out to meet the British and their savage allies; being more than 
double then- numbers. On the right wing the conflict was sharply contested for 
some time, and the enemy gave way. On the left, out flanked by the savages, 
the men fought, and fell rapidly, until an order was given to fall back and present 
a longer front to the enemy; a manoeuvre which could not be executed under the 
destructive fire of the Indian rifles. Confusion ensued — a disastrous retreat fol- 
lowed, and a most cruel massacre consummated the bloody tragedy. We cannot 
dwell on the battle and the consequent horrors. It would be useless if we could. 
Brother fell by the side of brother; father and son perished on the same field. 
More than half our little army were slain ; many of the rest were wounded : and the 



80 APPENDIX. 

whole settlement — very aged men and helpless children, widows and orphans- 
were now exposed, without protection, to the tomahawk and scalping knife. In 
utter confusion and distress they all fled — some in boats down the river, but most 
on foot through the wilderness. Your imaginations must conceive, for words can- 
not paint, the unequaled misery of their situation. In the simplicity of truth we 
will state two instances, those of the chairman and secretary of this meeting. 

Perrin and Jeremiah Ross, brothers of the chairman, were in the battle and both 
fell. Mr. Ross, then a lad, his father being dead, was the only male of the family 
remaining. His mother, six sisters, the widow of his brother Perrin and her five 
orphan children fled — such was the terror and confusion — not together, but in three 
separate parties: two down the river to Harrisburg, and thence to Orange County, 
New York — two to Nescopeck and thence to Fort AUen — ^the rest by a more east- 
erly route. 

The father of Mr. Dana had then recently returned from Hartford, where he had 
been a member of the Assembly of Connecticut from the town of Westmoreland. 
He was in the battle- and Mr. Whiting, a young man who had a few months be- 
fore married his daughter, was also in the battle. Both were slain. Anderson 
Dana, our secretary, then a lad of 13, his widowed mother and widowed sister, 
(the latter in delicate health,) with thirteen others, of whom he was the eldest 
male, having one pack horse to carry the few things they could hastily gather, set 
out through the wilderness on foot to join their friends 300 miles distant, in Ashford, 
Connecticut, firom whence they originally came. Death and desolation were be- 
hind them; before them hunger, and sorrow, and despair. They were twenty 
days on their journey, living chiefly on charity. Several women of different par- 
ties of fugitives, gave birth to children on their way, who were indeed 

" Children of misery baptized in tears." 

Li the valley the demon of destruction completed his work. Scarcely an inhabi- 
tant remained. Every house was rifled and burnt. The sweep was universal — 
everything was destroyed. The cattle driven away and the harvests laid waste. 
War and woe never looked upon a scene of such utter sorrow and desolation ! 

Gentlemen — Is it not plain that these disasters and sufferings befel the inhabi- 
tants from their exertions in the cause of their country ? Is it not manifest that the 
ivithdraiving the two companies raised for the defence of the people, occasioned the 
attack, massacre and ruin that followed? And is it not right just now when the 
public treasury is full, and all the other equitable revolutionary claims have been 
recognized by Congress, that something should be granted to the Wyoming suffer- 
ers, and their heirs ! Why should all others receive bounty or justice, and we ten- 
fold sufl'erers receive nothing? In honour, to the dead, as well as justice to the 
living, we ask it at your hands. Noble Virginia granted Col. George Rogers Clarke 
and his regiment, who marched with him to Kaskaskias and St. Vincent, one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand acres of land on the Ohio. Should not Wyoming receive 
as much. The portion of New London must have exceeded one hundred and 
fifty thousand. Ought not Wyoming to receive as much? 

Having no other resting place the survivors were obliged to return, desolate and 
melancholy as were their homes. The battle field was still strewed with the tin- 
buried slain, and their remains, as soon as they could be approached that sultry 
season, were gathered and buried with affectionate and pious care. 

The blood and tears shed at Wyoming were not shed in vain. Perhaps few 
incidents during the war, produced stronger sensations of horror and pity through- 
out Europe, than the Wyoming massacre. Perhaps few circumstances had so 
powerful a tendency to discredit, in public estimation, the arms and efforts of the 
enemy ; or had a stronger influence in arousing the people of the whole civilized 
world in behalf of the American cause. 

After the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and the war might be regarded as ended, 
Congress issued a proclamation for a general thanksgiving, calling on aU classes 
to acknowledge the goodness of Almighty God in affording aid to our arms — " in 
confounding the councils of our enemies, and suffering them to pursue such mea- 
sures as have contributed to frustrate their own desires and expectations; above 
all in making their extreme cruelty to tlie inhabitants of these states, when in their 



f^ 5^ 



«! 



APPENDIX. 81 

power ; and their savage devastations qfpropeiiy, the very means of cementing our 
union, and addina' vigour to every efibrt in opposition to them." 

ThuSj honourable representatives of the states and people, have we stated our 
case : and we respectfully pray that Congress would appropriate a tract of land 
equal to that granted by the state of Virginia to Col. George Rogers Clarke's regi- 
ment; or in proportion to that granted by Connecticut to New London and her 
other towns — to be divided by commissioners to be appointed by the President of 
the United States — to the old Wyoming sufferers, their widows, heirs, and legal 
representatives. 

Signed by order and in behalf of the meeting. 



Anderson Dana, Secretary. 



WM. ROSS, Chairman. 



COL. HUBLEY'S JOUENAL. 

Regarding General Sullivan's expedition to avenge Wyoming, and the remaining 
Wyoming military force having accompanied him. I deemed it proper to preserve 
a full account of it. To this end I had obtained a journal of an officer in Max- 
well's Jersey Brigade, kept during the march; and another by an officer in Poor's 
New Hampshire Brigade, intending to insert one or the other in the Appendix. 
Bat both having been some years ago published in the newspapers, and the kind- 
ness of my friend Mr. Jordan having placed in my possession the journal of Col. 
Adam Hubley, of Lancaster county, which, besides coming from a superior officer, 
and a Pennsylvanian, it is believed will have all the freshness of novelty, I give 
it the preference. The reader will be struck with the harsh, I had like to have 
said, unsoldier-like reflection upon the public authorities in Gen. Sullivan's ad- 
dress to his army of August .30th. Nor wih he be less surprised at the soldiers being 
called upon to vote whether they should be put on half allowance of flour. In a 
country replete to profusion with corn, beans, melons, potatoes and peaches, 
which the army was destroying; the idea of famine, or even want, seems prepos- 
terous. On Saturday the 28th, two days previous to that address. Col Hubley says — 
'' The corn already destroyed by our army is not less than 5000 bushels, upon a 
moderate calculation, and the quantity yet on the ground, in this neighbourhood, is 
at least the same."* 

Besides the journal of Col. Hubley, and those of the Jersey and New Hampshire 
officers, I have obtained the minutes of a Mr. Newman, who was with Gen. Clin- 
ton in his march from the Mohawk to Lake Otsego, and thence to his junction with 
Sullivan at Tioga point. Throwing a cloudy light on that portion of the army, 
and containing several curious incidents, I think too valuable to be lost, and regret 
that our limits do not admit of its publication here. 

We have then four journals relating to Sullivan's expedition. Is not the inference 
fair that it vi^as a common practice in the continental army to keep such journals'? 
Are there not in existence very many such diaries in the hands of descendants of 
Revolutionary soldiers'? This remark is made with the hope that they may be 
sought out and published, as every incident of the war for independence, which 
has produced Revolutions so extraordinary throughout the whole civilized world, 
should be regarded worthy of the most careftil preservation. 

*"It was estimated 160,000 bushels of corn were destroyed during the expedition." 
— Thatcher. 

F 



82 APPENDIX. 



COPY OF LT. COL. ADAM HUBLEY'S JOURNAL 

ON THE 

WESTERN EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS, 

rHDER THE COMMAND OP 

MAJOR GENERAL SULLIVAN, 1779. 

BY SIMON STEVENS, LANCASTER, PA., AUG. 9, 1845. 



Light corps, commanded by Gen. 
Hand, to consist of — 

Maxwell's brigade consists of— 
Poor's brigade consists of — 



GENERAL ORDERS. 

Head Quarters, Easton, 3Iay 24, a. d. 1779. 
When the army shall be fully assembled the following arrangements are to 
take place : — 

Armandt's, Hubley's, Shott's, 6 com- 
panies of Rangers, Wm. Butler's batta- 
lion, Morgan's corps, and all volunteers 
who may join the arm3^ 

Dayton, Shreeve, Ogden, Spencer, 
forming right of first line. 

Cilley, Reed, Scammel, Courtland, 
and form left of first line. 

Livingston, Dubois, Gainsworth, Ol- 
den, and form second line or reserve. 
The right of the first line to be covered by 100 men, draughted from Maxwell's 
brigade, the left to be covered by 100 men detached from Poor's brigade, each 
flank of the second line to be covered by 50 men detached from Clinton's bri- 
gade, the flanking division on the right to consist of Hubley's regiment, and a 
draught from the line of 100 men, the flanking division on left to consist of the 
German battalion, and 100 draughted men from the line. 

ORDER OF MARCH. 

The light corps will advance by the right of companies in files, and keep at 
least one mile in front. Maxwell's brigade will advance by its right in files, sec- 
tions, or platoons, as the country will admit. Poor's brigade will advance by its 
left in the same manner. Clinton's brigade will advance by the right of regi- 
ments, in platoons, files, or sections, as the country will admit. All the covering 
parties and flanking divisions on the right will advance by their left ; those on the 
left of the army will advance by their right. The artillery and pack horses are 
to march in the centre. 

Should the army be attacked in front while on its march, the light corps will 



APPENDIX. m 

ammediately form to repulse the enemy, the flanking divisions will endeavour to 
gain the flanks and rear of the enemy. While the line is forming the pack horses 
will, in all cases, fall into the position represented on the annexed plan. Should 
the enemy attack on either flank, the flanking division attacked will form a front, 
and sustain the attack till reinforced — in which case a part of the light corps is to 
be immediately detached to gain the enemy's flank and rear, the covering parties 
of the 2d line move to gain the other flank. Should the enemy attack our rear, 
the 2d line will face and form a front to the enemy, the covering parties of the 
first line will move to sustain it, while the flanking division face about and endea- 
vour to gain their flank and rear. .Should the light troops be driven back, they 
will pass through the intervals of the main army, and form in the rear. Should 
the enemy in an engagement with the army, when formed, endeavour either 
flank, the covering party will move up to lengthen the line, and so much as may 
be found necessary from the flanking division will display outwards to prevent 
the attempt from succeeding. The light corps will have their advance and flank 
guards at a good distance from their main body. The flanking division will furnish 
flank guards, and the 2d line a rear guard for the main army. 

When Vi/e find that the light corps are engaged in front, the front of the pack 
horses halt, and the rear close up, while the columns move in a proper distance, 
close and display, which will bring the horses in the position they are on the plan 
for the order of battle. Should the attack be made on either, in flank or in rear, 
the horses must be kept in the position they are at the commencement of the attack, 
unless other orders are then given, 

SKETCH NO. 1. 

[The trees painted by the Indians, between Owego and Chokunut, on the head 
%vaters of the Susquehanna, with their characters.] 

Wyoming, July 30th, 1779. — Wyoming is situated on the east side of the east 
branch of the Susquehanna, the town consisting of about seventy houses, chiefly 
log buildings ; besides these buildings there are sundry larger ones which Avere 
erected by the army for the purpose of receiving stores, &c., a large bake and 
smoke houses. 

There is likewise a small fort erected in the town, with a strong abatta around 
it, and a small redoubt to shelter the inhabitants in cases of an alarm. This fort 
is garrisoned by 100 men, draughted from the western army, and put under the 
command of Col. Zeb'n Butler. I cannot omit taking notice of the poor inhabit- 
ants of the town ; two-thirds of them are widows and orphans, who, by the vile 
hands of the savages, have not only deprived some of tender husbands, some of 
indulgent parents, and others of affectionate friends and acquaintances, besides 
robbed and plundered of all their furniture and clothing. In short, they are left 
totally dependent on the public, and are become absolute objects of charity. 

The situation of this place is elegant and delightful. It composes an extensive 
valley, bounded both on the east and west side of the river by large chains ofmoun- 
tains. The valley, a mere garden, of an excellent rich soil, abounding with large 
timber of all kinds, and through the centre the east branch of the Susquehanna. 

NO. 2. A SKETCH OF THE ENCAMPMENT AT WYOMING. 

Wyoming, July 31st, 1779. — Agreeable to orders, marched the western array 
tinder the command of Major General Sullivan, in the following order, from this 
place to Tioga. 

NO. 3. ORDER OF MARCH. 

The army being composed of the following" regiments and brigades in follow^ 
ing manner, viz, : — 

r Hubley, ) Regiments 
G.n.Ha„d'sbrigade, !--"■' ,° ' i L^iX,;. 



f Dayton^ 

Gen. Maxwell's -brigade, I n^^J®^^'' 
= ' j Ogden, 

[ Spencer, 

From main body. 

f Cilley, 

Gen. Poor's- brigade; \ f^^^^^i 

{ Cotirland. 

Took tip the line of marcli about one o'clock, P. M., viz.: light corps adtranced 
in front of main body about a mile; vanguard, consisting of twenty-four men, 
tmder command of a subaltern, and Poor's brigade, (main body,) followed by 
pack horses and cattle, after which one complete regiment, taken alternately from 
Maxwell's and Poor's brigade, (composed the rear guard.) 

Observed the country to- be much broken and mountainous, wood chiefly low, 
and composed of pine only. I was struck on this day's march with the ruins of 
many houses, cMetiy built of logs, and unin]:!abited ; though poor, yet happy in their 
situation, until that hoi'rid engagement, when the British tyrant let loose upon them 
his emissaries, the savages of the wood, Who not only destroyed and laid waste 
those cottages, but iii cool blood massacred and cnt off the inhabitants, not even 
sparing gray locks or helpless infancy. 

About 4 o'clock, P. M., arrived at a most beautiful plain, covered with abund- 
ance of grass, soil excessively rich, through which run a delightful stream of 
water, known by the name of Lackawanna: crossed the same, and encamped 
about one mile on the northern side of it, advanced about one half mile in front of 
main body ; after night fell in with rain — continued until morning. 

Distance' of march this day, 10 miles. 

NO. 4. SKETCH OF THE ESJCAMPMENT AT LACKAWANNA, 

Sunday, August Is^— "Continued at Lackawanna waiting for the fleet, which, bj'' 
reason of considerable rapids, was detained until nearly 12 o'clock this day before 
the van could possibly cross them. In getting through, lost tvv-'o boats, chief of 
their cargoes v/ere saved. About 2 o'clock, P. M., the whole arrived opposite our 
encampment, in consequence of which received orders for a march, stmck tents 
accordingly, and moved about 3 o'clock, P. M. About one mile from the en- 
campment, entered the narrows on the river, first detachment and left column 
under command of Capt. Burk, to join the right column of light corps, and cross 
the mountain, which was almost inaccessible, in order to cover the aiiny from falling 
in an ambuscade. Whilst passing through the defile found passage through 
exceeding difhcnlt and troublesome, owing to the badness of the path; we 
passed by a most beautiful cataract called the Spring Falls. To attempt a descrip- 
tion of it would be almost presumption. Let this short account thereof suffice. 
The first or upper fall thereof is nearly ninety feet perpendicular, pouring from a 
solid rock, ushering forth a most beautiful echo, and is received by a cleft of rocks 
considerably more projected than the former, from whence it rolls gradually and 
empties into the Susquehanna. Light corps passed and got through the defile 
about 6 o'clock, P. M.; arrived about dusk at a place called Quilutimunk, and 
encamped one mile in front of the place, occupied that night by the main army. 

The main army, on account of the difficult passage, marched nearly all night 
before they reached their encamping ground. Great quantities of baggage being 
dropped and left lying that night obliged us to continue on this ground. All the 
preceding day numbers of our pack horses were sent back and employed in 
bringing on the scattered stores, &c. ; distance of march this day about 7 miles: 
fine clear evening. Quilutimunk is a spot of ground situate on the river: fine, 
open and clear; quantity, about 1200 acres; soil very rich, timber fine, grass in 
-abundance, and contains several exceedingly fine springs. 



APPENDIX. 85 

SKETCH OF THE ENCAMPMENT AT aUILUTIMUNK. 

Monday, August 2d.— In consequence of the difficult and tedious inarch the 
preceding day, the army received orders to continue on the ground this day ; in 
the raeantime to provide themselves with five days provision, and getting every 
other matter in perfect readiness for a march next meraing at 6 o'clock. Nothing 
material happened during our stay on this ground. 

Wednesday 3d. — Agreeable to orders took up the line of march at 6 o'clock, A. 
M. Took the mountains after we assembled — found them exceedinglj^ level for 
at least six miles. Land tolerable, the timber^ viz., pine and white oak, chiefly 
large. About three miles from Quiiutimunk we crossed near another cataract, 
which descended the mountain in three successive falls, the least of which is 
equal if not superior to the one already described. Although it is not quite so 
high, it is much wider, and likewise empties into the Susquehanna, seemingly 
■white as milk. They are commonly known by the name of Buttermilk Falls. 

SKETCH OF BUTTERMILK FALLS. 

About 12 o'clock we descended the mountains near the river; marched about 
one mile on flat piece of ground, and arrived at Tunkhannunk, a beautiful stream 
of water so called, which empties into the Susquehanna: crossed the same, and 
encamped on the river about 1 o'clock, P. M. Nothing material happened this 
day escepting a discovery of two Indians by the party on the west side of the 
river. Indians finding themselves rather near the party were obliged to leave 
their canoe, and make through the mountains. Party took possession of the 
canoe, and brought it to their encamping place, for that evening immediately op- 
posite the main army. Distance of march this day, 12 miles. 

SKETCH OF TUNKHANNUNK ENCAMPMENT- 

Wednesday 4th. — The army was in motion 5 o'clock, A. M., and moved up the 
river for three miles, chiefly on the beach, close under an almost inaccessible 
mountain. We then ascended the same with the greatest difficulty, and continued 
on it for near seven miles. A considerable distance from the river the path along 
the mountain was exceedingly rough, and carried through several very considera- 
ble swamps, in which were large morasses. The land in general thin and broken, 
abounds in wild deer and other game. We then descended the mountain, and 
at the foot of it crossed a small creek called Massasppi, immediately where it 
empties into the river. We then continued up the same until we made Vander- 
iip's farm, discovered several old Indian encampments; one of them appeared to 
have been very large. 

The land, after crossing Massasppi, was exceedingly fine and rich, the soil very 
black and well timbered, chiefly with black walnut, which are remarkably large, 
some not less than six feet over, and excessively high. It is likewise well calcu- 
lated for making fine and extensive meadows. The main army took post for this 
night on Vanderlip's farm, and the infantry advanced about one mile higher up, 
and encamped about 1 o'clock, P. M., on a place known by the name of William- 
son's farm. Distance of march this day, 14 miles : fine clear day, very hot. 

SKETCH OF THE ENCAMPMENT, VANBERLIP'S AND WILLIAMSOn's FARM. 

Thursday 5th. — In consequence of orders issued last evening to march this 
morning at 5 o'clock, we struck tents and loaded baggag'e. But the boats 
being considerably impeded by the rapidness of the water some miles below our 
encampment, could not reach us, and we were obliged to halt all night. Did not 
join us until 9 o'clock, A. M., all which time we were obliged to halt. On their 
arrival the whole army was put in motion, and as more danger on this day's 
march was apprehended than any before, the following distribution of the army 
took place, viz.: The right and left columns of the light corps, conducted by Gen. 
Hand, moved along the top of a very high mountain; main body of light corps, 
under Col, Hubley's command, Avith an advance of twenty-four men, moved on 



86 APPENDIX. 

the beach several miles on the edge of the water. The main army, followed by 
the baggage, &c., flanked on their right by four hundred men, who had likewise 
to take this mountain. Thus Ave moved for several miles, then arrived in a small 
valley called Depue's farm; the land very good. Observed and reconnoitered 
this ground for some distance, it being the place on which Col. Hartley was at- 
tacked by the savages last year, on his return from Tioga to Wyoming. The 
country being fine and open, some loss was svistained on both sides ; the savages 
at last gave way, and Col. Hartley pursued his route to Wyoming without further 
molestation. Continued our march for about one mile, and formed a junction with 
the parties on the right flank, ascended a high mountain, and marched for some 
miles on the same. Land poor, timber but small, chiefly pine, after which de- 
scended the mountain nearly one mile in length, and arrived in a fine and large 
valley, known by the name of Wyalusing. The main army took post at this 
place, and the infantry advanced about one mile in front of them, and encamped 
about 2 o'clock, P. M. Clear but very warm day; distance of march this day, 10^ 
miles. 

This valley was formerly called Oldman's farm, occupied by the Indians and 
white people ; together, they had about sixty houses, a considerable Moravian 
meeting house, and sundry other public buildings; but since the commencement 
of the present war the whole has been consumed and laid waste, partly by the 
savages and partly by our own people. The land is extraordinarily calculated 
chiefly for meadows. The grass at this time is almost beyond description, high 
and thick, chiefly blue grass, and the soil of the land very rich. The valley con- 
tains about 1200 acres of land, bounded on one side by an almost inaccessible 
mountain, and on the other by the river Susquehanna. 

SKETCH OF THE ENCAMPMENT AT WYALUSING. 

Friday^ August 6th. — The boats not arriving before late this day, the army received 
orders to continue on the ground. In the meantime to be provided with three days 
provision, get their arms and accoutrements in perfect order, and be in readiness 
for a march early to-morrow morning. A sub. and twentj--four men from my regi- 
ment reconnoitered vicinity of camp; returned in the evening; made no disco- 
veries. Rain all night. 

Saturday 7th. — The heavy rain last night and this morning rendered it utterly 
impossible to march this day; continued on the ground for further orders. 

A captain and thirty men from my regiment reconnoitered vicinity of camp ; 
made no discoveries. 

This day received a letter (by express) from his Excellency Gen. Washington, 
dated Head Quarters, at New Windsor. 

Sunday, 8th. — The army moved (in same order as on 5th) this morning at 5 
O'clock; crossed Wyalusing creek, and ascended an extensive mountain, the top 
remarkably level; land poor, and timber small. Arrived about 10 o'clock, A. M., 
at the north end, and descended the same close on the river side, and continueel 
along the beach for some distance, after which we entered an extensive valley or 
plain, known by the name of Standing Stone ; made a halt here for about half an 
hour for refreshments. This place derives its name from a large stone standing 
erect in the river immediately opposite this plain. It is near twenty feet in height, 
fourteen feet in width, and three feet in depth. This valley abounds in grass, the 
land exceedingly fine, and produces chiefly white oak, black walnut, and pine 
timber. After refreshment continued our march along the same valley ; land not 
quite so fine. Arrived about 3 o'clock, P. M., at a small creek called Wescuking ; 
crossed the same, and encamped about one mile beyond it, and immediately on 
the river. 

Four o^clock, P. M. — Since our arrival at this place some of my oflicers disco- 
vered a small Indian encampment, seemingly occupied but a foAV days since ; 
found near the same a neat canoe, which they brought off". This morning the 
scout, (of three men,) sent up to Sheshequin some days since, returned without 
making any discoveries. 

General Sullivan, on account of his indisposition, came on in the boat. 



APPENDIX. 87 

SKETCH OF STANDING STONE. 
SKETCH OF ENCAMPMENT AT WESCUKING. 

Monday, August 9th. — The boats rpt being able to reach Wescuking, the ground 
on which light corps encamped preceding evening. The main body in conse- 
quence thereof took post and encamped at Standing Stone, about three miles below 
light corps encampment, for protection of the boat. 

The light corps, on account of their detached situation from main body the pre- 
ceding evening, and apprehending some danger, being considerably advanced in 
the enemy's country, for their greater security, stood under arms from 3 o'clock, 
A. M., until daylight, where they dismissed, with orders to hold themselves in 
readiness at a moment's warning. Previous to their dismissal my light infantry 
was sent out to reconnoitre the vicinity of encampment ; returned about 7 o'clock, 
A. M. — made no discovery. 

This morning, 9 o'clock, boats hove in sight, in consequence thereof received 
orders to strike tents, and be in readiness for a march • main army in the mean- 
time arrived about 10 o'clock ; the whole was in motion, marched through a diffi- 
cult swamp; at north of same crossed a small stream, and ascended a hill; lands 
poor, and wood but indifferent. About 12 o'clock, P. M., descended the same, 
and entered a small valley ; continued about half mile, when Ave ascended a very 
remarkable high mountain, generally known by the name of Break Neck Hill. 

This mountain derives its name from the great height, of the difficult and narrow 
passage, not more than one foot wide, and remarkable precipice which is imme- 
diately perpendicular, and not less than 180 feet deep. One mis-step must inevi- 
tably carry you from top to bottom without the least hope or chance of recovery. 
At north end of same entered a mountainous and beautiful valley called Sheshe- 
cununk. General Sullivan, with a number of officers, made a halt here at a most 
beautiful run of water, took a bite of dinner, and proceeded on along the valley, 
which very particularly struck my attention. Any quantity of meadow may be 
made' here; abounds with all kinds of wood, particularly white oak, hickory, and 
black walnut; the ground covered with grass and pea wines; the soil in general 
very rich. About 4 o'clock, P. M., arrived on the bank of the river ; the whole 
encamped in a line on a most beautiful plain ; consists chiefly in meadows, the 
grass remarkably thick and high. On our arrival here made discoveries of some 
new Indian tracks, places on which fire had just been, and fresh boughs cut, and 
appeared as if the place had just been occupied a few hours before our arrival. 
Distance of march this day, 91 miles. 

SKETCH OF ENCAMPMENT AT SHESHECUNUNK. 

Tuesday, August 10th. — Set in with rain, and boats not reaching this place before 
9 o'clock this morning ; army received orders to continue on the ground until fur- 
ther orders. Men drew and cooked two days provisions. 

One regim.ent from each of the brigades attended General Sullivan. The general 
and field officers of the army whilst they were reconnoitering the river and ground 
near Tioga branch, about three miles above this place, returned without any dis- 
coveries worthy of remark about 4 o'clock, P. M. 

Wednesday, August llth. — Agreeable to 'orders the army moved this morning at 
8 o'clock, A. M., in the usual order. Light corps moved half an hour before the 
main army, and took post on the banks of the river near the fording place. On 
the arrival of the main army and boats. Col. Forest drew up his boat at the fording 
place, and fixed several six pounders on the opposite shore in order to scour the 
v/oods and thickets, and prevent any ambuscade from taking place. In the mean- 
time the light corps marched by platoons, linked together, on account of the 
rapidity of the Avater, and forded the same, and effected a landing about 9 o'clock ; 
they immediately advanced about one hundred yards from the river, and formed 
in line of battle, m order to cover the landing of the main army, which was safely 
effected about 10 o'clock, A. M., after which came on pack horses, cattle, &c., 
covered by a regiment which composed the rear guard. About half past ten 
o'clock the whole moved in following order. 



APPENDIX. 



ORDER OF MARCH UP TIOGA FLATS. 



Previews to our arrival on the fiats we liad to pass about one and a half rnile 
through a dark, difficult swamp, which was covered with weeds and considerable 
tinderwood, interspersed with large timber, chiefly buttonv/ood. We then entered 
the flats near the place on which Queen Esther's palace stood, and was destroyed 
by Col. Hartley's detachment last fall. The grass is remarkably thick and high. 
We continued along the same for about one mile, and arrived at the entrance of 
Tioga branch into Susquehanna about 1 o'clock; we crossed the same, and landed 
on a peninsula of land which extends towards Chemung, and is bounded on the 
east by Susquehanna, and on the west by Tioga branch, and continued up the 
same for about two miles and a half and encamped. This peninsula is composed 
of excellent meadow and upland; grass is plenty, and timber of all kinds, and soil 
in general good; distance of march this day, three miles. Since our arrival a 
scout of eight men was ordered up to reconnoitre Chemung, and endeavour to 
make discoveries of the number of savages, and their situation, if possible. 

Thursday, August 12th. — ^Tioga Plain. This being a plain calculated to cover 
the western army during the expedition to the northern part of it, a garrison for that 
purpose is to remain until our return. Sundry works for the security of the same 
are now erecting about two and a half miles distant from where Tioga branch 
empties into the Susquehanna, and where the two rivers are about 190 yards dis- 
tance from each other; those works to extend from river to river. 

Captain Cummings with his scout (sent out last evening) returned this day 1 1 
o'clock, A. M.; made several discoveries at Chemung; an Indian village twelve 
miles distance from this place ; in consequence of which a council of war sat, and 
determined elu expedition should immediately take place for the reducflon of the 
same. The, 'army (two regiments excepted) received orders to be in readiness 
for an immediate march. Eight o'clock, P. M., the whole were in motion, and 
proceeded for Chemung. 

SKETCH OF ENCAMPMENT AND WORKS ON TIOGA PLAINS. 

August 13th. 1779. — Eight o'clock, P. M., the army having marched last even- 
ing in the following order, viz. : Light corps, under command of Gen. Hand, led 
the van, then followed Gens. Poor and Maxwell's brigades, which formed main 
body, and corps de reserve, the whole under the immediate command of Maj. Gen. 
Sullivan. The night being excessively dark, and the want of proper guides, im- 
peded our march, besides which we had several considerable defiles to march 
through, that we could not possibly reach Chemung till after daylight. The morn- 
ing being foggy favoured our enterprise. Our pilot, on our arrival, from some dis- 
agreeable emotions he felt, could not find the town. We discovered a few huts, 
which we surrounded, but found them vacated; after about one hour's march we 
came upon the main town. The following disposition for surprising the same was 
ordered to take place, viz. : Two regiments, one from the light corps, and one from 
main body, were ordered to cross the river and prevent the enemy from making 
their escape that way, should they still hold the town. The remainder of the light 
corps, viz., two independent companies, and my regiment, luider command of 
Hand, were to make the attack on the town. Gen. Poor was immediately to 
move up and support the light corps. We moved in this order accordingly, but 
the savages having probably discovered our scouting party the preceding day, de- 
feated our enterprise by evacuating the village previous to our coming, carrying 
off with them nearly all their furniture and stock, and leaving an empty village 
only, which fell an easy conqii.est about 5 o'clock, A. M. The situation of this 
village was beautiful ; it contained fifty or sixty houses, built of logs and frames, 
and situate on the banks of Tioga branch, and on a most fertile, beautiful, and ex- 
tensive plain, the lands chiefly calculated for meadows, and the soil rich. 

The army continued for some small space in the town. Gen. Hand, in the 
meantime, advanced my light infantry company, under Capt. Bush, about one 
mile beyond the village, on a path which leads to a small Indian habitation, called 
Newtown. On Capt. Bush's arrival there he discovered fires burning, an Indian 
dog, which lay asleep, a number of deer skins, some blankets, &c. ; he immedi- 



APPENDIX. m 

ately gave information of his discoveries, in consequence of which the remainder 
part of the light corps, viz. : the two independent companies, and my regiment, 
under Gen. Hand's command, were ordered to move some miles up the path, and 
endeavour, if possible, to make some discoveries. We accordingly proceeded on 
in the following order, viz. : Captain Walker, with twenty-four men, composed 
the van, the eleventh regiment, under my command, after which the two inde- 
pendent companies, the whole covered on the left by Tioga branch, and on the 
right by Capt. Bush's infantry company of forty men. In this order we moved 
somewhat better than a mile beyond this place. The frst fires were discovered, 
when our van was fired upon by a party of savages, who lay concealed on a high 
hill immediately upon our right, and which Capt. Bush had not yet made. We 
immediately formed a front with my regiment, pushed up the hill with a degree 
of intrepidity seldom to be met with, and, under a ver}^ severe fire from the 
savages. Capt. Bush, in the meantime, endeavoured to gain the enemy's rear. 
They, seeing the determined resolution of our troops, retreated ; and, according to 
custom, previous to our dislodging them, carried off their wounded and dead, by 
which means they deprived us from coming to the knowledge of their wounded 
and dead. The ground on the opposite side of the mountain or ridge, on which 
the action commenced, being composed of swamp or low ground, covered with 
underwood, &c., favoured their retreat, and prevented our pursuing them, by which 
means they got off. 

Our loss on this occasion, which totally (excepting two) fell on my regiment, 
was as follows, viz. : two captains, one adjutant, one guide, and eight privates 
wounded, and one serjeant, one drummer, and four privates killed. Officers' 
names: Captain Walker, (slight wound,) Captain Carberry, and Adj. Huston, (I 
fear mortal.) 

After gaining the summit of the hill, and dislodging the enemy, w. marched by 
the right of companies in eight columns, and continued along the same until the 
arrival of General Sullivan. We then halted for some little time, and then returned 
to the village, which was instantly laid in ashes, and a party detached to cross the 
river to destroy the corn, beans, &c., of Avhich there were several A^ery extensive 
fields, and those articles in the greatest perfection. Whilst the troops were engaged 
in this business, Gens. Poor and Maxwell's brigades were fired upon, lost one man, 
killed, and several wounded. The whole business being completed, we returned 
to the ruins of the village, halted some little time, and received orders to return to 
Tioga Plain, at which place we arrived at 8 o'clock, considerably fatigued. Lest 
the savages should discover our loss, after leaving the place, I had the dead bodies 
of my regiment carried along, fixed on horses, and brought to this place for inter- 
ment. The expedition from the first to last continued twenty-four hours, of which 
time my regiment was employed, without the least intermission, twenty-three 
hours 3 the whole of our march not less than forty miles. 

Saturday, August 14th. — This morning 10 o'clock, A. M., had the bodies of those 
brave veterans, who so nobly distinguished themselves, and bravely fell in the 
action of yesterday, interred with military honours, (firing excepted.) Parson 
Rogers delivered a small discourse on the occasion. 

Was employed greater part of the day in writing to my friends at Lancaster and 
Philadelphia, which were forwarded the same evening. 

Sunday, 15th. — Agreeable to orders of yesterday, seven hundred men were 
ordered to march on the grand parade for inspection, and to be furnished with 
ammunition and eight days provision, for the purpose of marching up the Susque- 
hanna and meeting General Clinton, who is now on his march to form a junction 
with this army. 

Two o'clock. P. M., a firing was heard on the west side of Tioga branch, imme- 
diately opposite our encampment. A number of Indians, under cover of a high 
mountain, advanced on a large meadow or flat of groimd, on which our cattle and 
horses were grazing. Unfortunately, two men were there to fetch some horses, 
one of which was killed and scalped, the other slightly wounded, but got clear. 
One bullock was likewise killed, and several public horses taken off". My regi- 
ment was ordered in pursuit of them : we accordingly crossed the branch and 



90 APPENDIX. 

ascended the mountain, marched along the summit of the same for upwards of 
two miles in order to gain their rear ; but the enemy having too much start, got 
clear. After scouring the mountains and valleys near the same, we returned, 
much fatigued, about 5 o'clock, P. M. 

Monday^ 16th. — The detachment under General Poor's command, agreeable to 
orders, moved this. day, 1 o'clock, P. M., up the Susquehanna for the purpose of 
forming a junction with Gen. Clinton. 

Several of our out continentals alarmed the camp by firing off several guns 
about 1 o'clock in the morning, in consequence of which light corps stood under 
arms. Several patrols were sent out to reconnoitre the front of encampment, re- 
turned near day-break, but made no discoveries — alarm proved premature. Gen. 
Hand, being ordered with the detachment under Gen. Poor, the command of light 
corps devolved on me during his absence. 

Thursday^ I7th. — Seven o'clock, P. M., a firing was heard about five hundred 
yards immediately in front of light corps' encampment. A party of fifty men 
was immediately detached to endeavour to find out the cause of it; returned 
at 8 o'clock, P. M. ; reported that a party of Indians, eleven in number, had way- 
laid a few pack horsemen, who were just returning with their horses from pasture ; 
that they had killed and scalped one man, and wounded another ; the wounded 
man got safe to camp, and the corpse of the other was likewise brought m. 

An alarm was fired by a continental about 1 1 o'clock, P. M., but proved false. 

Wednesday, IStJi. — In order to entrap some of those savages who keep sneaking 
about the encampment, the following parties ordered out for that purpose, and 
to be relieved daily by an equal number until we leave this ground, viz. : one 
subaltern and twenty men on the mountain opposite the encampment ; one sub- 
altern and twenty men on the island, about a mile and half above the encamp- 
ment, on Tioga branch, and one subaltern and twenty men in the woods, about 
a mile and a half immediately in front of light corps' encampment, with orders to 
waylay and take every other means to take them. 

This day, by particular request of several gentlemen, a discourse was delivered 
in the Masonic form, by Dr. Rogers, on the death of Captain Davis of the 1 1th 
Penn., and Lieutenant Jones of the Delaware regiments, who were, on the 23d of 
April last, most cruelly and inhumanly massacred and scalped by the savages, 
emissaries employed by the British king, as they were marching with a detach- 
ment for the relief of the garrison at Wyoming. 

Those gentlemen were both members of that honourable and ancient Society of 
Freemen. A number of brethren attended on this occasion in proper form, and the 
whole was conducted with propriety and harmony. Text preached on this solemn 
occasion was the first clause in the 7th verse of the 7th chapter of Job, " Remem- 
ber m.y life is but wind." 

Thursday, 19th. — Nothing remarkable this day. 

Friday, 20th. — This day arrived Lieut. Boyd, of Col. Bufier's regiment, with ac- 
counts of Gen. Clinton's movements on the Susquehanna, and that a junction was 
formed by him with Gen. Poor's detachment, Chokoanut, about thirty-five miles 
from this place. Rain very heavy chief part of the day. 

Saturday, 21 si. — The detachments under Gens. Clinton and Poor, on account of 
the very heavy rain yesterday, did not reach this encampment as was expected. 

Sunday, 22d. — This day, 10 o'clock, A. M., Gens. Clinton and Poor's detachments, 
with about two hundred and twenty boats, passed light corps' encampment for the 
main army, about one and a half miles in their rear. On their passing, they were 
saluted with thirteen rounds from the park ; the light corps being likewise drawn 
up, and received them in proper form, with Col. Proctor's music, and drums and 
fifes beating and playing. 

Monday, 2^d. — This day a most shocking affair happened, by an accident of a 
gun, which went off", the ball of which entered a tent in Avhich was Capt. Kimball, 



APPENDIX. St 

of Gen. Poor's brigade, and a lieutenant; the captain was -unfortrinately killed, and 
the lieutenant wounded. 

Gen. Clinton having formed a junction with the army at this place yesterday, the 
following alterations in the several brigades were ordered to take place, viz. : Col. 
Courtland's regiment to be annexed to General Clinton's, Colonel Older to General 
Poor's, and Colonel Butler's regiment, with Major Parr's corpsj to General Hand's 
brigade. 

Tuesday, 24:th. — This day employed hands to make bags for the purpose of car- 
rying flour; hands employed all day and night in this business. 

Agreeable to orders a signal gun was fired for the whole army to strike tents, 
5 o'clock, P. M., and marched some small distance in order to form the line of 
march. Seven o'clock, P. M., another signal gun was fired for the army to encamp 
in proper order, and to be in readiness for an immediate march. Col. Butler's Mir 
giment, with Major Parr's riflemen, joined light corps, and encamped with thOTi 
this day, 7 o'clock, P. M. 

Colonel Shrieve took command of Fort Sullivan this day agreeable to orders. 
Flying hospital and stores were moved this day to the garrison. 

Wednesday, 25th — This morning was entirely devoted to packing up and getting 
everything in readiness for an immediate march. A heavy rain fell in at 11 
o'clock, continued greater part of the day, which prevented our movements. 

Thursday, 2&th. — The army not being perfectly ready to march at 8 o'clock, A. 
M., agreeable to yesterday's orders, the signal gun for a march was not fired until 
1 1 o'clock, when the whole took up the line of march in the following order, 
namely : Light corps, commanded by General Hand, marched in six columns, the 
right commanded by Colonel Butler, and the left by myself. Major Parr, with 
the riflemen, dispersed considerably in front of the whole, with orders to recon- 
noitre all mountains, defiles, and other suspicious places, previous to the arrival 
of the army, to prevent any surprise or ambuscade from taking place. The pion- 
eers, under command of a captain, subaltern, then followed after, which preceded 
the park of artillery ; then came on the main army, in two columns, in the centre 
of which moved the pack horses and catfle. the whole flanked on right and left 
by the flanking divisions, commanded by Colonel Dubois and Colonel Ogden, and 
rear brought up by General Clinton's brigade ; in this position the whole moved 
to the upper end of Tioga flats, about three miles above Fort Sullivan, where we 
encamped for this night. 

This day disposed of one my horses to Mr. Bond, captain, on account of his indis- 
position, obtained leave to continue either at Fort Sullivan, or go to Wyoming, 
until the return of the regiment from the expedition. 

Friday, August 21th. — On account of some delays this morning army did not 
move until half past eight o'clock, A. M. Previous to the march the pioneers, 
under cover of the rifle corps, were advanced to the first and second defile, or 
narrows, some miles in front of our encampment, where they were employed in 
mending and cutting a road for the pack to pass. The array marched in same 
order of yesterday, the country through which they had to pass being exceedingly 
mountainous and rough, and the slow movements of the pack considerably im- 
peded the march. About 7 o'clock, P. M., we arrived near the last narrows, at 
the lower end of Chemung, where we encamped in the following order: Light 
corps near the entrance of the defile or narrows, and in front of some very exten- 
sive corn-fields, some refugee Tories, now acting with the favour of the main army, 
about one mile in our rear, and immediately fronting the corn-fields. After en- 
camping had an agreeable repast of corn, potatoes, beans, cucumbers, water- 
melons, squashes, and other vegetables, which were in great plenty, (produced) 
from the corn-fields already mentioned, and in the greatest perfection : distance ot 
march this day, six miles. 

Saturday, August 28th. — Fore part of this day being employed by the general 
and principal officers of the army in reconnoitering the river and finding out some 
fording place for the artillery, pack horses, and cattle to cross, to gain Chemung, 



92 APPENDIX. 

the defile or narrows mentioned in my yesterday's journal being so excessively 
narrow, and, indeed^ almost impracticable for them to pass. 

The following disposition for the marching of the army took place accordingly, 
namely: The rifle corps, with General Maxwell's brigade, and left flanking divi- 
sion of the army, covering the park, pack horses, and cattle, crossed to the west 
side of the river, and about one and a half mile above recrossed the same, and 
formed a junction on the lower end of Chemung flats with the light corps, Generals 
Poor and Clinton's brigades, and right flanking division of the army, who took 
their route across an almost inaccessible mountain, on the east side of the river, 
the bottom of which forms the narrows already mentioned. The summit was 
gained with the greatest difficulty) on the top of the mountain the lands, which 
are level and extensive, are exceedingly rich with large tim.ber, chiefly oak, in- 
terspersed with underwood and excellent grass. The prospect from this moun- 
tain is most beautiful ; we had a view of the country of at least twenty miles round ; 
the fine, extensive plains, interspersed with streams of water, made the prospect 
pleasing and elegant from this mountain. We observed, at some considerable 
distance, a number of clouds of smoke arising, where we concluded the enemy to 
be encamped. 

Previous to the movement of the army this day, a small party of men were sent 
across the river in order to destroy some few Indian huts, which were immediately 
opposite our encampment. Before the business was quite effected they were fired 
upon by a party of Indians, who, after giving the fire, immediately retreated ; the 
party executed their orders, and all returned unhurt to the army. 

The scout sent out last evening to reconnoitre the enemy near Newtown, (an 
Indian village so called,) returned this day, and reported they discovered a great 
number of fires, and that they supposed, from the extensive piece of ground 
covered by the fires, the enemy must be very formidable, and mean to give us 
battle. They likewise discovered four or five small scouting parties on their way 
towards this place, it is supposed to reconnoitre our army. Since our arrival here a 
great quantity of furniture was found by our soldiers which was concealed in the 
adjacent woods. After forming the junction above mentioned, we took up the line of 
march, and moved to the upper Chemung town, and ejicamped about 6 o'clock, 
P. M., for this night. Distance of march on a straight course, about two miles. 

From the great quantities of corn and other vegetables here and in the neigh- 
bourhood, it is supposed they intended to establish their principal magazine at this 
place, which seems to be their chief rendezvous, whenever they intend to go to 
war; it is the key to the Pennsylvania and New York frontier. The corn already 
destroyed by our army is not less than 5,000 bushels upon a moderate calculation, 
and the quantity yet in the ground in this neighbourhood is at least the same, be- 
sides which there are vast quantities of beans, potatoes, squashes, pumpkins, &c., 
which shared the fate of the corn. 

'Sunday, August 29th. — This morning at 9 o'clock the army moved in the same 
order of the 26th; the riflemen were well scattered in front of the light corps, who 
moved with the greatest precision and caution. On our arrival near the ridge on 
which the action of the 13th commenced with light corps, our van discovered 
several Indians in front, one of whom gave them a fire, and then fled. We con-' 
tinned our march for about one mile ; the rifle corps entered a low marshy ground 
v.'hich seemed well calculated for forming ambuscades; they advanced ■with 
great precaution, when several more Indians were discovered, Avho fired and re- 
treated. Major Parr, from those circumstances, judged it rather dangerous to pro- 
ceed any further without taking every caution to reconnoitre almost everj' foot of 
ground, and ordered one of his men to mount a tree and see if he could make any 
discoveries ; after being some time on the tree he discovered the movements of 
several Indians, (which were rendered conspicuous by the quantity of paint they 
had on them.) as they were laying behind an extensive breastwork, which ex- 
tended at least half a mile, and most artfully covered with green boughs, and trees, 
having their right flank secured by the river, and their left by a mountain. It was 
situated on a rising ground — about one hundred yards in front of a difficult stream 
of water, bounded by the marshy ground already mentioned on our side, and on 



APPENDIX, tS 

the OtKer, between it and the breast-works, by an open and clear field. Major 
Parr immediately gave intelligence to General Hand of his discoveries, who im- 
mediately advanced the light corps within about three hundred yards of the ene- 
my's works, and formed in line of battle; the rifle corps, under cover, advanced, 
and lay under the bank of the creek within one hundred yards of the lines. Gen. 
Sullivan, having previous notice, arrived with the main army, and ordered the 
following disposition to take place : The rifle and light corps to continue their 
position ; the left flanking division, under command of Colonel Ogden, to take 
post on the left flank of the light corps, and General Maxvpell's brigade, some dis- 
tance in the rear, as a corps de reserve, and Colonel Proctor's artillery in front of 
the centre of the light corps, and immediately opposite the breast-work. A heavy 
fire ensued between the rifle corps and the enemy, but little damage was done on 
either side. In the meantime. Generals Poor and Clinton's brigades, with the 
right flanking division, were ordered to march and gain, if possible, the enemy's 
flank and rear, whilst the rifle and light corps amused them in front. Col. Proctor 
had orders to be in readiness with his artillery and attack the lines, first allowing 
a sufficient space of time to Generals Poor, &c., to gain their intended stations. 
About 3 o'clock, P. M., the artillery began their attack on the enemy's works ; the 
rifle and light corps in the meantime prepared to advance and charge; but the 
enemy, finding their situation rather precarious, and our troops determined, left 
and retreated from their works with the greatest precipitation, leaving behind them 
a number of blankets, gun covers, and kettles, with corn boiling over the fire. 
Generals Poor, &c., on account of several difficulties which they had to surmount, 
could not effect their designs, and the enemy probably having intelligence of 
their approach, posted a number of troops on the top of a mountain, over which 
they had to advance. On their arrival near the summit of the same, the enemy 
gave them a fire, and wounded several officers and soldiers. General Poor 
pushed on and gave them a fire as they retreated, and killed five of the savages. 
In the course of the day we took nine scalps, (all savages,) and two prisoners, 
who were separately examined, and ga.ve the following corresponding account: 
that the enemy were seven hundred men strong, viz., five hundred savages, and 
two hundred Tories, with about twenty British troops, commanded by a Seneca 
chief, the two Buffers, Brandt, and iVl'Donald. 

The infantry pushed on towards Newtown ; the main army halted and encamped 
near the place of action, near which were several extensive fields of corn and other 
vegetables. About 6 o'clock, P. M., the infantry returned and encamped near the 
main army. 

The prisoners further informed us that the whole of their party had subsisted on 
corn only for this fortnight past, and that they had no other provisions with them ; 
and that their next place of rendezvous would be at Catharines town, an Indian 
village about twenty-five miles from this place. 

Distance of march (exclusive of counter-marches) this day, about eight miles. 

Monday, August 30th. — On account of the great quantities of corn, beans, pota- 
toes, turnips, and other vegetables, in destroying of which the troops were em- 
ployed, and the rain which set in the after part of the day, obliged us to continue 
on the ground for this day and night. The troops were likewise employed in 
drawing eight days provisions, (commencing 1st day of September.) The reason 
of drawing this great quantity at one time was, (however inconsistent with that 
econom^y which is absolutely necessary in our present situation, considering the 
extensive campaign before us, and the time of consequence it will require to com- 
plete it,) the want of pack horses for transporting the same, and in order to expe- 
dite this great point in view, are obliged to substitute our soldiery for carrying the 
same. 

From the great and unparalleled neglect of those persons employed for the pur- 
pose of supplying the western army with everything necessary to enable them to 
carry through the important expedition required of them, General Sullivan was at 
this early period under the disagreeable necessity of issuing the following ad- 
dress to the army, which was communicated by the commanding officers to their 
corps separately, viz. : 



94 APPENDIX. 

GENERAL SULLIVAN's ADDRESS. 

''The comraander-iti-chiefinformsthe troops that he used every effort to procure 
proper supplies for the army, and to obtain a sufficient number of horses to trans- 
port them, but owing to the inattention of those whose business it was to make the 
necessary provision, he failed of obtaining such an ample supply as he wished, 
and greatly fears that the supplies on hand will not, without the greatest prudence, 
enable him to complete the business of the expedition. 

'' He therefore requests the several brigadiers and ofiicers commanding corps to 
take the mind of the troops under their respective commands, whether they will, 
whilst in this country, which abounds with corn and vegetables of every kind, be 
content to draw one half of flour, one half of meat and salt a day. And he desires 
the troops to give their opinions with freedom and as soon as possible. 

" Should they generally fall in with the proposal, he promises they shall be paid 
that part of the rations which is held back at the full value in money. 

'' He flatters himself that the troops who have discovered so much bravery and 
firmness will readily consent to fall in with a measure so essentially necessary to 
accomplish the important purpose of the expedition, to enable them to add to the 
laurels they have already gained. 

'•' The enemy have subsisted for a number of days on corn only, without either 
salt, meat, or flour, and the general cannot persuade himself that troops, who so 
tar surpass them, in bravery and true valour, will suffer themselves to be outdone 
in that fortitude and perseverance, which not only distinguishes but dignifies the 
soldier. He does not mean to continue this through the campaign, but only wishes 
it to be adopted in those places where vegetables ma)' supply the place of a part 
of the common ration of meat and flour, which will be much better than without 
any. 

" The troops will please to consider the matter, and give their opinion as soon as 
possible." 

Agreeable to the above address, the army was drawn up, (this evening,) in 
corps separately, and the same, through their commanding officers, made known 
to them, and their opinions requested thereupon, Avhen the whole, without a dis- 
senting voice, cheerfully agreed to the request of the general, which they signified 
by unanimously holding up their hands and giving three cheers. 

This remarkable instance of fortitude and virtue cannot but endear those brave 
troops to all ranks of people, more particularly as it was so generally and cheer- 
fully entered into without a single dissenting voice. 

Tuesday, August Slst. — Took up our line of march in usual order at 9 o'clock, 
A. M. ; marched about four miles and a half through a broken and mountainous 
country, and an almost continuous defile on the east side of Cayuga branch, the 
west of the same for that distance was an excellent plain, on which large quanti- 
ties of corn, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables stood, and were destroyed by 
us the preceding day. We then crossed Cayuga branch, where it forks with a 
stream of water running east and west, and landed on a most beautiful piece of 
country remarkably level. On the banks of the same stood a small Indian village, 
Avhich was immediately destroyed. The soldiers found great quantities of furni- 
niture, &c., which was buried, some of which they carried off, and some was de- 
stroyed. About 2 o'clock, P. M., we proceeded along the path which leads to 
Catharines town, (an Indian village,) and leaves the Ca}'Tiga branch on its left. 
About 5 o'clock, P. M., we encamped on a most beautiful plain, interspersed with 
marshes, well calculated for meadows. Wood chiefly pine, interspersed with 
hazel brushes, and great quantities of grassy distance of march this day, 10 miles. 

Wednesday, September 1st. — About 9 o'clock, P. M., whole army moved in good 
order, on a level piece of ground. About 11 o'clock, A. M., we entered an exten- 
sive hemlock swamp, not less than six miles through ; the path through almost 
impassible, owing to the number of defiles, long ranges of mountains, ravine after 
ravine, interspersed with thick underwood, &c. The infantry, with the greatest 
difficulty, got through about half past nine o'clock, P. M. The remainder of the 



APPENDIX. 9§ 

army, with the pack horses, cattle, &c., were chiefly the whole night employed 
in getting through. 

As the infantry were approaching Catharines town we were alarmed by the 
howling of dogs and other great noise. A few of the riflemen were dispatched in 
order to reconnoitre the place. In the meantime we formed ua two solid 
columns, at fixed bayonets, Avith positive orders not a man to fire his g-un, but to 
rush on ia case the enemy should make a stand; but the riflemen, who had been 
sent to reconnoitre the town, returned with the intelligence the enemy had left it. 
We then immediately altered our position on account of the narrowness of the 
road, and marched in files through the first part of the town, after which we crossed 
the creek : in a field immediately opposite, where there stood a number of houses 
also, where we encamped, and substituted the timber of the houses in room of 
fire-wood. On our arrival, we found a number of fires burning, which appeared 
as if they had gone off precipitately. This day's march completed 12 mUes. 

Thursday^ Sept. 2d. — The dismal situation of our pack horses and cattle, of which 
several were killed by falling into ditches, and several otherwise disabled in get- 
ting through this horrid swamp last evening, prevented our march this morning. 
The fore part of this day was entirely employed in collecting them, which, from 
their scattered and dispersed situation, was attended with the greatest difficulty. 

We this morning found an old squaw who, we suppose, by reason of her ad- 
vanced age, could not be carried off, and therefore was left to our mercy. On ex- 
aminmg her, she informed us that the Indians, on our approach last evening, went 
off very precipitately; that the women and children had gone off in the morning 
to take shelter in some mountains, until the army had passed them ; that Colonel 
Butler promised he would send back some warriors, who should conduct them by 
bye-ways to some place of safety. She further adds, that, previous to the squaws 
going off', there was great contention with them and the warriors about their going 
off; the former had determined on staying and submitting to our generosity ; the 
latter opposed it, and informed them that, by such a step, the Americans would be 
able to bring them to any terms they pleased; whereas, did they go off, they 
would have it in their power to come to more favourable terms, should a treaty of 
any kind be offered. 

^ Catharines town is pleasantly situated on a creek, about three mUes from Seneca 
lake ; it contained nearly fifty houses, in general, very good — the country near 
it very excellent. We found several very fine corn-fields, which afforded the 
greatest plenty of corn, beans, &c., of which, after our fatiguing march, we had an 
agreeable repast. After getting everything in perfect readiness, we took up our 
line of march at 7 o'clock this morning. The roads from this place for about one 
mile were rather difficult and swampy. We then ascended a rising country, 
which was, in general, level, excepting a few defiles which we had to pass, but 
were by no reason dangerous or difficult. The lands are rich, abounding with 
fine, large, and clear timber, chiefly white oak, hickory, walnut, and ash ; bounded 
on the left for about three miles with excellent marsh or meadow ground, after 
which proceeds the beautiful Seneca lake, which abounds with all knids of fish, 
particularly salmon, trout, rock, that which resembles perch, as also sheep-head. 

Previous to our leaving this place, the squaw which was taken here, was left, 
and a hut erected, of which she took possession. A quantity of wood was also 
gathered and carried to the hut for her use ; she was also provided with a quantity 
of provisions. All these favours had such an effect on her that it drew tears from ' 
her savage eyes. 

It is about three miles in breadth, and about forty miles in length. Upon the 
right, though considerably up the country, is another delightful lake, called Kay- 
uga lake; abounds with all kinds of fish also, and is about forty-six miles in 
length. 

We proceeded along this beautiful country about twelve miles, and encamped 
near a corn-field, on which stood several Indian cabins ; bearing between the light 
corps and main army an advantageous ravine, and bounded on our left by Seneca 
lake. 

Previous to our arrival here the Indians who occupied the cabins already men- 



96 APPENDIX. 

tioned, probably discovered our approach, pushed off precipitately, leavuig their 
kettles with com boiling over the fire. During our march this day we discovered 
several trees with the following characters newly cut on them by those savages 
commanded by Brandt and the Butlers, and with whom we hud the action on the 
29th ultimo. 

Saturday, Sept. 4th. — On account of the rain this morning the army did not move 
until 10 o'clock, A. M. We passed through a delightful level country, the soil of 
which very rich, the timber fine and large, interspersed with hazel bushes, fine 
grass, and pea vines. On our march we discovered several fires burning, which 
lully intimated some of the savages were not far off in front of us. We destroyed 
several fields of corn, and, after a march of thirteen miles, we encamped in the 
woods, in the front of a very large ravine, and about half a mile from Seneca lake. 
On account of some difficulties wdth the pack-horses, &c., the main army did not 
reach so far as the infantry, and encamped about two miles in their rear. 

Sunday, Sept. 5th. — About 9 o'clock this morning the army moved through a 
country much the same as yesterday. About 12 o'clock we arrived at Canadia, 
about three miles from the last encampment, where we encamped for this night. 
Previous to our arrival we entered several corn-fields, and furnished the men 
with two days allowance of the same. The riflemen, who were advanced, retook 
a prisoner who was taken last year by the savages on the east branch of the Sus- 
quehanna. An Indian, who lay concealed, fired, but without effect on our rifle- 
men, and immediately fled. 

On examining this prisoner, he informed us that Brandt, with near a thousand 
savages, including Buller's Rangers, left this town last Friday, seemingly much 
frightened and fatigued — that they were pushing for Kanadauaga, an Indian vil- 
lage, where they mean to make a stand and give us battle. He further informs 
us that, exclusive of a considerable number of savages killed and wounded in the 
action of the 29th, seven Tories were killed ; that all their wounded, with some 
dead, were carried in Canoes up the Cayuga branch— ihaX they allow they sus- 
tained a very heavy loss in that action. 

Canadia is much the finest village we have yet come to. It is situated on a 
rising ground, in the midst of an extensive apple and peach orchard, within half 
a mile of Seneca lake ; it contains about forty well-finished houses, and every 
thing about it seems neat and Avell improved. 

Monday, Sept. 6th. — The fore part of the day was entirely employed in hunting 
up our horses and catfle, a number of which were lost. About 2 o'clock we took 
up our line of march, and moved about three miles, wdien we encamped on a 
beautiful piece of woodland, (interspersed with vast quantities of pea vines, which 
served for food for our horses,) our rear covered by the lake, our flank by consi- 
derable ravines. 

On the fourth, whilst on our march, several officers' waiters, who had delayed 
in the rear, lost the path along which the army moved, and, towards night, found 
themselves near an Indian village, which had been previously evacuated. They 
found a quantity of plunder, which they brought oft', first putting the town in flames. 
A captain and a party, on missing, being sent in pursuit, and fell in with them as 
they were returning to the encamping place occupied by the army the preceding 
day, and conducted them safe to the army at Canadia. 

An express from Tioga, with packets, &c., for the army, arrived this day at 
head quarters — received several letters from my friends. 

Tuesday, Sept. 7th. — At half-past seven o'clock the army moved and arrived at 
the head of the lake about 2 o'clock, P. M. The country we passed through was 
exceedingly fine, and chiefly along the water for eight miles and a half. 

About 3 o'clock, P. M., the rifle and infantry corps crossed at the mouth of the 
lake, about knee deep, and not above thirty yards wide. On our arrival on the 
opposite shore, we immediately entered a dangerous and narrow defile, bounded 
on the left by the head of Seneca lake, and on our right by a large morass and 
flooded at intervals, well calculated to form an ambuscade. From every cir- 
cumstance, both as to intelligence and the great advantage the enemy might have 



APPENDIX. 97 

had from its situation, we fairly expected an attack. However, we moved through 
in files, supported by the two flanking divisions, and gained the other side. The 
main army then crossed, and took our place. We then moved through a second 
defile, as difficuh as the first, and formed again until the main army possessed 
themselves of the sam.e ground we had just left. We then marched and passed 
a third defile, and formed in a corn-field, near a large house, which was beauti- 
fully situated on the head of the lake, and generally occupied by Butler, one of 
the savage leaders. 

The light corps, flanked by two flanking divisions, received orders to move and 
gain the rear of the town. The main army took the path, and marched immedi- 
ately in front of the same ; but the enemy no doubt having previous notice of our 
movements, had abandoned the town, which we entered about dusk, leaving be- 
hind them a number of bear and deer skins, and also a fine white child of about 
three years old. 

This town is called Kanadasaga, and appears to be one of their capital settle- 
ments; about it is a fine apple orchard and a council-house. There was in the 
neighbourhood a great quantity of corn, beans, &c., which, after taking great quan- 
thies for the use of the army, we totally destroyed; burned the houses, which were 
in number about fifty, and girdled the apple trees. Distance of march this day, 
about 12 miles. 

Wednesday^ Sept. 8th.— This day we lay on our ground ; the rifle corps, with 
several other parties, were detached down the lake to destroy a small village, 
called Gaghsiungua, and a quantity of corn, &c., in this neighbourhood, and the 
army prepared for a march early to-morrew morning. 

Various opinions prevailed between many officers about our proceeding any 
further on account of our provisions ; but General Sullivan, with a number of offi- 
cers, nobly resolved to encounter every difficulty to execute the important expedi- 
tion, and determined, notwithstanding the horrid neglect in not furnishing us with 
provision, horses, &c., suffi.cient to enable us to carry through the expedition, even 
to proceed on with the scanty pittance, and accomplish the arduous task of de- 
stroying the whole Seneca country. 

Thursday, Sept. 9th.— -On account of a number of pack horses which had gone 
astray and ceuld not be found, the army did not march at 6 o'clock agreeable to 
yesterday's orders. A command of fifty men, under a captain, returned from this 
place to Tioga to escort the sick and those who were not able to proceed without 
retarding the march of the army, which is now under the necessity on account of 
our wants to be as expeditious as possible to complete the expedition ; all those 
pack horses which were lame, or otherwise reduced, likewise returned. 

About twelve o'clock the army marched ; their first route was over bushy land, 
interspersed with remarkably wild high grass, and appeared to have been for- 
merly cleared. We then descended into an extensive maple swamp, which was 
very rich, and well calculated for meadow. After marching seven miles, we 
came to a creek, known by the name of Flint Creek, which the whole, excepting 
Clinton's brigade, crossed, and encamped on a plain which had been occupied by 
the enemy but a few days before for the same purpose. Distance of march, seven 
miles. 

The rifle corps who yesterday went to destroy Gaghsiungua this evening returned. 
They report it was a fine town, well improved, with a great quantity of corn near 
the same ; likewise, an abundance of beans, water-melons, peaches^ and all kinds 
of vegetables, the whole of which they totally destroyed. 

Friday, Sept. iOth. — At 8 o'clock this morning the army took up their line of 
march in the usual order. Their route, about four miles, confinued through the 
swamp, which, in some places, was miry, and difficult for pack horses, otherwise 
the foot would not have been much retarded. We then arrived on very fine 
ground for marching, which, to all appearance, was old cleared fields, as they 
contained a great quantity of wild grass as high as the horses in many places. 
The land continued in this manner (alternately having a strip of wood between) 
for about four miles, when we arrived at a lake, (the name I could not learn,) 
G 



98 APPENDIX. 

which appeared to be a mile wide, and six or seven miles in length. We marched 
half a mile along this lake, and came to the mouth, which we crossed; the water 
was not knee deep, and about thirty yards over; but it narrowed so fast that, about 
twenty yards from the mouth, it was not in width more than five, but much deej^er. 
We then moved up a fine country from the lake, and in half a mile came to Ka- 
nadalaugua, a beautifully situated town, containing between twenty and thirty 
houses, well finished, chiefly of hewn plank, which we immediately burned, and 
proceeded about half a mile on our right, where we found a large field of corn^ 
squashes, beans, &c. At this place we encamped, but were very badly off for 
water, having none but what we sent half a mile for, and that very bad. The 
Seneca country, from its extreme flatness, having no good springs, which is ex- 
tremely disagreeable for a marching army. Distance of march this day, 9 miles. 
In this town a dog was hung" up, with a string of wampum round his neck, on 
a tree, curiously decorated and trimmed. On inquiry, I was informed that it was 
a custom among the savages before they went to war to offer this as a sacrifice to 
Mars, the God of War, and praying that he might strengthen them. In return for 
those favours, they promise to present him with the skin for a tobacco pouch. 

Saturday J Sept. llth. — Agreeable to orders we took up our line of march this 
morning precisely at 6 o'clock. We moved through a thicket and swamp near 
one mile before we gained the main path. The infantry, on account of this difficult 
swamp, could not possibly march in the usual order, without being considerably 
dispersed. V\^e moved along this path for about three miles, after which Ave as- 
cended a rising ground; the country remarkably fine and rich, covered chiefly 
with pine, oak, and hickory timber. At intervals we crossed considerable clear 
fields, with remarkably high, wild grass. About 1 o'clock we descended into a 
most beautiful A'alley, within one mile of an Indian village, known by the name 
of Anyayea, situate on a fine plain, within about half a mile of Anyayea lake, 
which is but small and very beautiful, and abounds with all kinds of fish. This 
town contains about twelve houses, chiefly hewn logs. About it are several large 
corn-fields, and a number of apple and other fruit trees. We encamped about two 
o'clock for this day, after completing a march of thirteen miles. 

Sunday, Sept. 12th. — In order to expedite our march, and prevent the enemy from 
making oft' with their effects from Jenese, their capital, and last town in the Seneca 
country, it was determined a garrison of fifty men, wifli those soldiers who were 
not very able to march, should continue at this post, in order to guard our stores^ 
viz., ammunition and flour, until our return. 

The rain having set in very heavy this miorning, we could not move until about 
twelve o'clock. We then began our march, but, on account of a defile which we 
had to cross, could not march in the usual order. After passing the same, we took 
np our line of march as tisual, and ascended a rising piece of ground. After 
marching about five miles, we came to a lake, which we crossed at the mouth, 
being about knee deep, and about ten yards over. We then ascended another 
rising piece of ground, composed of exceedingly fine, rich land, with large oak 
and hickory timber, and, at intervals, with marsh or swamp, well calculated for 
meadow ground. After arriving withiil half a mile of Kanaghsas, a small Indian 
village, which was previously destined for this day's march, night set in, and the 
main army being at least a mile in our rear, we received orders to encamp for 
this night, which Avas in the woods, and exceedingly ill calculated for that pur- 
pose, no water being nearer than half a mile. This day's march completed twelve 
miles. 

After we encamped, Lieutenant Boyd, of the rifle corps, some volunteers, and 
as many riflemen, made up six and twenty in the Avhole, were sent up to recon- 
noitre the town of Jenesse, having for their guide an Onieada Indian, named Han- 
yost, a chief of that tribe, who has been remarkable for his attachment to this 
country, having served as a volunteer since the commencement of the war. 

3Ionday, Sept. 13th.- — This morning before daylight we left; the general beat, on 
which the tents were immediately struck, and in half an hour the army marched 
into the town of Kanaghsas, which contained ten houses, situate on a flat near 



APPENDIX. 99 

the head of a small lake. The flat contained i great quantity of corn, and vege- 
tables of all kinds, which were remarkably well tended. At this place we halted 
to draw provisions, viz., beef, (half allowance,) and to destroy the town, corn, &c.'' 

Four men of Lieutenant Boyd's party this morning returned, bringing information. 
of the town of Gaghsuquilahery (which they took for Jenese) being abandoned. 
About 12 o'clock we were alarmed by some Indians firing and giving chase to Mr. 
Lodge and a few men who went forward to survey. They wounded a corporal, 
who died next day, and chased them until one of our camp sentinels fired on 
them and stopped their career. 

Lieutenant Boyd having retired from the town of Gaghsuquilahery to wait for 
the arrival of the main army, which was detained longer than he expected, he 
sent back two men to know the cause ; these two men had not gone far befote 
they discovered a few Indians ahead. They then retired and informed Lieutenant 
Boyd, who immediately, with his party, gave chase, and followed them within 
about two miles and a half from the main army, where a body of savages, of at 
least four or five hundred, lay concealed, and probably intended giving the main 
array (the ground being favourable on their side) a fire, and push off according to 
custom, who immediately surrounded him and his party. He nobly fought 
them for some considerable time ; but, by their great superiority, he was obliged 
to attempt a retreat, at the same time loading and firing as his party ran. 

The Indians killed, and, in the most inhuman manner, tomahawked and > 
scalped six that were found. Nine of the party have got safe ni ; but Lieutenant 
Boyd and Henjost, (the Indian already mentioned,) with seven others, are yet 
missing, one of whom we know is a prisoner, as one Murphy, a rifleman of the 
party, who made his escape, saw him in their possession. This Murphy is a 
noted marksman, and a great soldier, he having killed and scalped that morning, 
in the town they were at, an Indian, which makes the three and thirtieth man of 
the enemy he has killed, as is well known to his officers, this war. 

There being a swamp or morass totally impassable for our horses, in front of 
Kanaghsas, the infantry and rifle corps passed over, and ascended the hill, 
wherein Indians lay, in hopes to come up with them ; but they had fled, leaving 
behind them upwards of one hundred blankets, a great number of hats, and many 
other things, which we took, and then halted until the main army arrived, they 
having first been obliged, in order to enable them to move, to throw a hedge over 
the morass. 

The whole then took up their line of march, and proceeded to the town of 
Gaghsuquilahery, through the finest country I almost ever saw, Avithout exception. 
Before dusk we arrived within sight of the town. The Indians, having thrown 
themselves in a wood on the opposite side, the following disposition for an attack 
was immediately ordered to take place, viz. : The infantry, with the artillery, to 
push on in front; General Maxwell's brigade, with the left flanking division, to 
endeavour to gain the enemy's right ; General Poor's brigade to move and gain 
their left; the right flanking division, and two regiments from General Clinton's 
brigade to move I'ound Poor's right flank ; the infantry to rush on in front, sup- 
ported by the remainder of Cfinton's brigade. We then moved forward, and took 
possession of the town without opposition, the enemy flying before us across a 
branch of Genese river, through a thicket, where it was impossible for us to follow, 
we not being acquainted with the country, and night having set in. We received 
orders to encamp, after making a march of eight and a half miles. 

Thursday^ Sept. lith. — Previous to our march this morning parties were ordered 
out to destroy the corn, which they did, plucking and throwing it into the river. 
About 1 1 o'clock we took up our line of march and proceeded for Jeneise, the 
last and capital settlement of the Seneca country ; the whole crossed a branch of 
the Jenise river, and moved through a considerable swamp, and formed on a plain 
the other side, the most extensive I ever saw, containing not less than six thou- 
sand acres of the richest soil that can be conceived, not having a bush standing, 
but filled with grass considerably higher than a man. We moved up this plain 
for about three miles in our regular line of march, which was a beautiful sight, as 
a view of the whole could be had at one look, and then came to Jenise river, 
which we crossed, being about forty yards over, and near middle deep, and then 



100 APPENDIX. - / 

ascended a rising ground, which afforded a prospect which was so beautiful that, 
to attempt a comparison, would be doing an injury, as we had a view as far as 
our eyes could carry us of another plain, besides the one we crossed, through 
which the Jenise river formed a most beautiful winding, and, at intervals, cata- 
racts, which rolled from the rocks, and emptied into the river. 

We then marched on through a rough but rich country, nntil we arrived at the 
capital town, which is much the largest we have yet met with in our whole route, 
and encamped about the same. 

At this place we found the body of the brave but unfortunate Lieutenant Boyd, 
and one rifleman, massacred in the most cruel and barbarous manner that the 
human mind can possibly conceive ; the savages having put them to the most ex- 
cruciating torments possible, by first plucking their nails from their hands, then 
spearingj^ cutting, and whipping them, and mangling their bodies, then cutting off 
the flesh from their shoulders by pieces, tomahawking and severing their heads 
from their bodies, and then leaving them a prey to their dogs. We likewise found 
one house burned, in which, probably, was a scene as cruel as the former. 

This evening the remains of Lieutenant Boyd and the rifleman's corpse were 
interred with military honours. Mr. Boyd's former good character, as a brave 
soldier, and an honest man, and his behaviour in the skirmish of yesterday (seve- 
ral of the Indians being found dead, and some seen carried off.) must endear him 
to all friends of mankind. May his fate await those who have been the cause of 
his. Oh ! Britain, behold and blush. Jenise town, the capital of the Seneca 
nation, is pleasantly situated on a rich and extensive flat, the soil remarkably rich, 
and great parts well improved with fields of corn, beans, potatoes, and all kinds 
of vegetables. It contained one hundred and seven well-finished houses. 

Wednesday, Sept. 15ih. — This morning the whole arm)^, excepting a covering 
party, were engaged in destroying the corn, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables, 
w^hich were in quantity immense, and in goodness unequaled by any I ever yet 
saw. Agreeable to a moderate calculation, there was not less than two hundred 
acres, the whole of which was pulled and piled up in large heaps, mixed with dry 
wood, taken from the houses, and consumed to ashes. About 3 o'clock, P. M., 
the business was finished, and the immediate objects of this expedition completed, 
viz., the total ruin of the Indian settlements, and the destruction of their crops. 
The following is a part of the orders issued this day, viz. : 

'* The commander-in-chief informs this brave and resolute army that the imme- 
diate objects of this expedition are accomplished, viz.: total ruin of the Indian set- 
tlements, and the destruction of their crops, which were designed for the support 
of those inhuman barbarians, while they were desolating the American frontiers. 
He is by no means insensible of the obligations he is under to those brave officers 
and soldiers whose virtue and fortitude have enabled him to complete the import- 
ant design of the expedition, and he assures them he will not fail to inform Ame- 
rica at large how much they stand indebted to them. The army will this day 
commence its march for Tioga." 

Previous to our leaving Jenise, a woman with a child came in to us, who had 
been taken prisoner last year near Wyoming, and fortunately made her escape 
from the savages. She, with her bantling, was almost starved for want of food ; 
she informs us that the Indians have been in great want all last spring — that they 
subsisted entirely on green corn this summer — that their squaws were fretting pro- 
digiously, and continually teazing their warriors to make peace — that by promises 
by Butler and his minions, they are fed up with great things that should be done for 
them — that they seem considerably cast down and frightened ; and, in short, she 
says distress and trouble seem painted on their countenances. Distance of march 
this day, six miles. 

Thursday, Sept. 16lh. — After destroying several corn-fields, we took up our line 
of march about 11 o'clock, A. M., and proceeded towards Kanaghsas. Previous 
to our arrival there, parties were ordered out to reconnoitre the woods, and gather 
the bodies of those soldiers who fell in the skirmish of the 13th. Fourteen, in- 
cluding those six mentioned in my journal of the 13th, were found, and buried 
with military honours. The sight was most shocking, as they were all scalped, 



APPENDIX. 101 

tomahawked, and most inhumanly mangled. Amongst those unfortunate men 
was Hanjost, the volunteer Indian, who fared equally with the fest. About six 
o'clock we arrived at Kanaghsas, and encamped. We found several corn-fields, 
which were immediately laid waste. Our march this day, 9 miles." -. 

Friday y Sept. llth. — About 5 o'clock this morning the general beat, the tents wpre 
struck, and the line of march taken up about 6 o'clock. We arrived at Anyeaya 
about 12 o'clock, being the place our stores, with a garrison, was left. It was hot 
with a little satisfaction that we found everything safe. We were not without our 
apprehensions about them, on account of the intelligence we were fearful the 
enemy might have collected from the unfortunate prisoners who fell in their haads 
on the 13th. We encamped in the same order, and on the same ground as on 
the 1 1th inst. 

Saturday, Sept. 18th. — This morning about 8 o'clock the army moved; the rear 
was ordered (before they left the ground) to kill all such horses as were unable 
to move along, lest they should fall into the enemy's hands. On our route we fell 
in with several Oneida Indians, (our friends,) who seemed much rejoiced at our 
great success against the Seneca nations. We arrived about 6 o'clock, P. M., at 
the east side of the Kanadaugua lake, where we encamped, after completing a 
march of thirteen miles and a half. 

Sunday, Sept. 19th. — The army moved at eight o'clock this morning irt the i;sual 
order; — excepting a few obstructions they met with passing through several 
swamps, they marched remarkably steady. On our route we were met by an ex- 
press from Tioga, who brought a number of letters and papers informing us of 
Spain declaring war against Great Britain. They also brought us the agreeable 
intelligence of a good supply for the army having come on to Newtown, (about 
twenty miles above Tioga,) to meet us. This agreeable intelligence conspired to 
make us exceedingly happy, as we had not only been a long time entirely in the 
dark with respect to home news, but the disagreeable reflection of half allowance 
was entirely dispelled. 

We pursued our march iintil we arrived at Kanadasaga, which was about dusk. 
When the infantry got up; we encamped on the same ground, and in the same 
position, as on the 7th, after completing a march of fifteen miles. 

Monday, Sept. 20th. — The greater part of this day was employed at head-quar- 
ters in holding a council in consequence of the intercession made by some Onieda 
Indians, (our friends) in favour of the Cayuga tribe, who have been for some time 
past in alliance with the Senecas, and acted with them, and are now desirous to 
make peace with us. The council determined no treaty should be held with them, 
and a command of five hundred infantry, with Major Parr's rifle corps, were im- 
mediately detached and sent to Cayuga lake, on which their settlement lay, with 
orders to lay wait and destroy their towns, com, &c., and receive none of them 
but in the characters of prisoners of war. Col. Smith, with two hundred men. was 
also dispatched down the north side of the Seneca lake in order to finish the de- 
struction of Gausiunque, an Indian village about eight miles below Canadasaga. 
Colonel Gainsworth, with one hundred men, was likewise detached, and sent to 
Fort Stanwix for some business, from whence he is to proceed to head-quarters on 
the north river, and join the main army. 

About 4 o'clock, P. M., the army took up their line of march, and moved stea- 
dily. About half-past five they reached and crossed the outlet of Seneca lake, and 
encamped about one mile beyond the same. 

Tuesday, Sept. 21th. — The army marched this morning about eight o'clock, and 
continued moving steadily until we passed Canadia about two miles, where we en- 
camped, near the lake. Previous to our marching this morning, Colonel Dear- 
bourn, with a command of two hundred men, marched to destroy a towft on the 
north side of Cayuga lake. Distance of march this day, 13 miles. 

Thursday, Sept. 23d. — About 8 o'clock this morning the army marched, and ar- 
rived at Catharines town about 2 o'clock, P.M., where we made a small halt. We 
found at this place the old Indian squaw who was left here on our march up the 
country. General Sullivan gave her a considerable supply of flour and meat, for 



102 APPENDIX. 

which, with tears in her savage eyes, she expressed a great deal of thanks. During 
our absence from this place a young squaw came and attended on the old one ; 
but some inhuman villain who passed through killed her. What made this crime 
still more heinous was, because a manifesto was left with the old squaw posi- 
tively forbidding any violence or injury should be committed on the women or 
children of the savages, by virtue of which it appears this young squaw came to 
this place, which absolutely comes under the virtue of a breach of faith, and the 
offender ought to be severely punished. 

I went to view, in company with a number of gentlemen, a very remarkable 
fall of water, which is about one mile above this place. Its beauty and elegance 
surpass almost any thing I ever saw. The fall is not less than two hundred feet. 
About 3 o'clock the army moved about three miles further, and encamped on a 
plain at the entrance of the great swamp, after completing a march of thirteen 
miles and a half 

Friday, Sept. 2ith. — This morning precisely at 8 o'clock the army moved, and 
continued their route through the hemlock swamp mentioned in the 1st inst., 
meeting with much fewer obstructions than we expected, owing to the very dry 
weather which we have had for this month past. After passing through the same 
we came to a fine open country, and soon arrived at Kanawaluhery, where there 
was a post established with a reinforcement of stores, which was a most pleasing 
circumstance, as the last was issued, and that at half allowance, at Kanadaraga. 
On our arrival, the garrison saluted with the discharge of thirteen cannon, which 
compliment was returned them by the army. 

Saturday, Sept. 25th. — In consequence of the accession of the King of Spain to 
th6 American alliance, and the generous proceedings of the present Congress in 
augmenting the subsistence of the officers and men of the army, General Sullivan 
ordered five head of the best cattle, viz. : one for the use of the officers of each 
brigade, with five gallons of spirits each, to be delivered to them respectively, 
thereby giving them an opportunity of testifying their joy on this occasion. 

In the evening, the whole was drawn up and fired a feu-de-joie, thirteen cannon 
being first discharged. The infantry then commenced a running fire through the 
whole line, which, being repeated a second time, the whole army gave three 
cheers, viz. : one for the United States of America, one for Congress, and one for 
our new ally, the King of Spain. 

The army being then dismissed. General Hand, with the officers of his brigade, 
attended by the officers of the park of artillery, repaired to a bowery, erected for that 
purpose, where the fatted bullock was served up, (dressed in different ways,) the 
whole seated themselves on the ground around the same, which afforded them a 
most agreeable repast. The officers being very jovial, and the evening was spent 
in great mirth and jollity. 

After dinner the following toasts were drank, the drums and fifes playing at 
intervals. 

1st. The thirteen states and their sponsors. 

2d. The honourable, the American Congress. 

3d. General Washington and the American array. 

4th. The commander-in-chief of the western expediUon. 

5th. The American navy. 

6th. Our faithful allies, the united houses of Bourbon. 

7th. May the American Congress, and all her legislative representafives, be en- 
dowed with virtue and wisdom, and may her independence be as firmly esta- 
blished as the pillars of time. 

8th. May the citizens of America, and her soldiers, be ever unanimous in the 
reciprocal support of each other. 

9th. May altercafions, discord, and every degree of fraud, be totally banished 
the peaceful shores of America. 

10th. May the memory of the brave Lieutenant Boyd, and the soldiers under 
his command, who were horribly massacred by the inhuman savages, or by their 
more barbarous and detestable ahieSjthe British and Tories, on the 13th inst., be 
ever dear to his country. 

1 1th. An honourable peace with America, or perpetual war with her enemies. 



APPENDIX. 103 

12th. May the kingdom of Ireland merit a stripe in the American standard. 

13th. May the enemies of America be metamorphosed into pack horses, and 
sent on a western expedition against the Indians. 

An express, with dispatches for General Sullivan, from Philadelphia, arrived 
this morning, by whom I received a packet enclosing the commissions for my 
officers. 

About 11 o'clock, A. M., the command under Colonel Dearbourn, M'ho left us 
the 21st of June to proceed to Cayuga lake, returned, bringing two squaws pri- 
soners ] he having, in his route, destroyed several towns and a great quantity of 
fine corn. 

Monday, Sept. 21th. — The detachment ordered to march yesterday moved this 
morning up Tioga branch to an Indian village, about twelve miles from this place, 
with orders to destroy the same. 

Coleman and Caklwell, two of my soldiers, who, by som.e means, lost the regi- 
ment at Kanadaugua lake, on the eighteenth, after wandering for seven days in 
the wilderness, found and joined us at this place. They subsisted, during their 
absence, on the hearts and livers of two dead horses which they found on the path 
along which the army had marched. 

At dusk this evening, the detachment which marched this morning returned, 
after destroying a considerable quantity of corn, beans, and other vegetables, six- 
teen boat loads of which they brought with them for the use of the army; they 
also burned a small village. 

Tuesday, Sept. 28th. — Several commands were ordered out this day, viz., one up 
and the other down the Tioga branch, for the purpose of destroying corn, &c., of 
which there was a quantity left on our march towards the Seneca country. 

All the lame and sick soldiers of the army were this day ordered to go to Tioga 
in boats, and the pack horses least able for other duty. 

Colonel Butler, with his command, after laying waste and destroying the Cayuga 
settlements, and corn, &c., of which there was a very great quantity, returned, 
and joined the army about 10 o'clock this morning. 

Wednesday, Sept. 29th. — The army marched this morning about 8 o'clock, and 
continued moving steady until we passed Chemung about one mile, where we 
encamped on the same ground, and in the same position, as on the 27th. The 
two commands ordered out yesterday morning returned, and joined the army at 
this place about 9 o'clock, P. M., after destroying large quantities of corn, beans, 
and other vegetables. 

Thursday, Sept. 30th. — This morning about 8 o'clock the army moved. About 2 
o'clock they arrived at Tioga plains, near Fort Sullivan, where the Avhole formed 
in regular line of march, and moved into the garrison in the greatest order, when 
we were received with nailitary honours, the garrison turning out with presented 
arms, and a salute of thirteen rounds from their artillery, which complement was 
returned them from the park of artillery with the army. 

Colonel Shrieve, governor of the garrison, had an elegant dinner provided for 
the general and field officers of the army. We regaled ourselves, and great joy 
and good humour was visible in every countenance. Colonel Proctor's band, and 
drums and fifes played in concert the whole time. 

Friday J Oct. \st. — This morning the horses belonging to the officers of the bri- 
gade were forwarded to Wyoming, We also sent our cow which we had along 
with us the whole expedition, and to whom we are under infinite obligations for 
the great quantity of milk she afforded us, which rendered our situation very com- 
fortable, and was no small addition to our half allowance. 

This afternoon Colonel Brewer, General Sullivan's secretary, set off" to Congress 
with the dispatches, which contained a relation of the great success of the expe- 
dition. 

Saturday, Oct. 2d. — This day the commander-in-chief made an elegant enter- 
tamment, and invited all the general and field ofiicers of the army to dine with him. 

In the evening, to conclude the mirth of the day, we had an Indian dance. The 
officers who joined in it putting on vizors, (alias Monetas.) The dance was con- 



104 ■ APPENDIX. 

ducted and led off by a young Sachem of the Oneida tribe, who was next followed 
by several other Indians, then the whole led off, and, after the Indian custom, 
danced to the music, which was a rattle, a knife, and a pipe, which the Sachem, 
continued clashing together 3.nd singing Indian the whole time. At the end of 
each, the Indian whoop was set up by the whole. 

Sunday, Oct. 3d. — Agreeable to the orders of yesterday, the garrison of Fort Sul- 
/livan this day joined their respective corps, and the fort was demolished. The stores 
and other baggage with the park of artillery were put on board the boats, and 
every other matter put in perfect readiness to move with the army, on their route 
to Wyoming, to-morrow morning at 6 o'clock. 

The young Sachem, with several Oneida Indians, relatives and friends of the 
unfortunate Indian Hanjost, who bravely fell whh the party under command of the 
much lamented Lieut. Boyd on the 13th ult., who faithfully acted as guide to the 
army, left us this day, well pleased, (after bestowing some presents on them,) for 
their native place, the Oneida country. 

The German regiment, which composed a part of the flanking divisions of the 
army, was this day ordered to join and do duty with the tliird Pemisylvania bri- 
gade, commanded by Gen. Hand. 

Monday, Oct. ith. — This day about 8 o'clock the army took up their line of march. 
We arrived at Wessaukin about 6 o'clock in the evening, after completing a march 
of fifteen miles. On account of the rain, marching was rather disagreeable this day. 

On my arrival at this place I received a letter, with some newspapers, &c., from 
his excellency President Read, which contained agreeable news, &c. 

Wednesday, Oct. 6ifA.— About 8 o'clock this morning the whole embarked again, 
and moved, paying no attention to order down the river. 

Thursday, Oct. 7th. — Embarked about 6 o'clock, and kept on steadily until we 
arrived at Wyoming. About 3 o'clock, P. M., the whole army landed and en- 
camped on the same ground, and in the same order, as on the 30th of July. 

Thus, by the perseverance, good conduct, and determined resolution of our 
commander-in-chief, with the assistance of his council, and the full determination 
of his troops to execute, have we fully accomplished the great end and intentions 
of this important expedition ; and I flatter myself we fully surpassed the most san- 
guine expectations of those whose eyes were more immediately looking to us for 
success. 

The glorious achievements we have exhibited in extending our conquests so 
far, and, at the same time, render 4hem so very complete, will make no inconsi- 
derable balance even in the present politics of America. Its future good conse- 
quences I leave to the eloquence of time to declare, which will, in ages hence, 
celebrate the memory of those brave sons who nobly risked their lives, disdaining 
every fatigue and hardship, to complete a conquest, the real good effects and ad- 
vantages of which posterity will particularly enjoy. 

Whilst I revere the merit and virtue of the army, I am sorry I am under the 
necessity of mentioning that there was an unparalleled and unpardonable ne- 
glect, (and which ought not to pass with impunity,) in those whose business it 
was to supply them with a sufficient quantity of necessaries to carry them through 
the expedition, instead of which not more than twenty-two days flour, and sixteen 
days meat was on hand when it commenced. And, although the army possessed 
a degree of virtue, perhaps unparalleled in the annals of history, in undertaking an 
expedition on half allowance, which was in every instance hazardous and impe- 
rious, yet, had we not been favoured with the smiles of Providence, in a con- 
tinuation of good weather, the half allowance itself would not have enabled us to 
perform what, from that circumstance, we have. 



THE END 



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